Noob C Dory question #4 – boat ramp launching

[pluscount]

I’ve never had a boat longer or heavier than a 14 ft. aluminum.

What are the real world difficulties in launching from a decent ramp with larger and larger C Dorys?

I’m not too worried about a 19 Angler, but the 22’s and 25’s seem a bit more challenging.

 

[thataway]

Figure that the Al skiff weight is about 300 to 400 lbs. (I have used them as dinghies on my larger boats.) The C Dory 22, is going to be well over 4,000 lbs, and the 25 in the 6,000 lb range. The windage is a multitude more than a skiff, which has a wind profile of 18"--the pilot house, and rest of the hull will give a profile of 5 to 7 feet in height.

There needs to be planing, a proper angle at the ramp, and some one skilled to help--both backing the truck, and hooking up the winch cable. A lot has to do with the trailer. Guide-ons, side bunks and various rollers help to center and be sure the boat goes on properly. Wind and current can make it a challenge.

I have single handled launched both 22's and 25's (and Tom Cat) behind 30 to 42 foot RV's--but don't recommend this. The more you do it, the better you become.
You can get an electric winch. I am over 80, with both heart and back problems, and still manage to launch and retrieve C Dorys.

 

[DavidM]

A lot depends on what you tow with. A full size SUV or truck with 4WD should be able to launch and retrieve any C-Dory. 4WD is handy with wet ramps.

David

 

[pluscount]

A lot depends on what you tow with. A full size SUV or truck with 4WD should be able to launch and retrieve any C-Dory. 4WD is handy with wet ramps.

Yep. I've got a full sized PU with 4WD

 

[JamesTXSD]

A lot depends on what you tow with. A full size SUV or truck with 4WD should be able to launch and retrieve any C-Dory. 4WD is handy with wet ramps.

Yep. I've got a full sized PU with 4WD

Define "full size." Half ton, 3/4 ton, 1 ton? There is regular discussion here regarding tow vehicles, but most will say the half ton is not enough truck for the C-Dory 25 or the Venture 26.

While there is a minimum vehicle size to haul the different sizes, the challenge in launching and retrieving is more about the slope of the ramp, whether there is a finger dock by the ramp, and the skill/experience of the person bringing the boat on the trailer and the person backing down the ramp. Wind and current will present their own challenges, but launching and retrieving is a skill that comes with planning and practice.

 

[pluscount]

A lot depends on what you tow with. A full size SUV or truck with 4WD should be able to launch and retrieve any C-Dory. 4WD is handy with wet ramps.

Yep. I've got a full sized PU with 4WD

Define "full size." Half ton, 3/4 ton, 1 ton? There is regular discussion here regarding tow vehicles, but most will say the half ton is not enough truck for the C-Dory 25 or the Venture 26.

2017 Dodge RAM 1500 with 5.7 Hemi. I regularly tow 7k lbs with electronic brakes on the trailer.

 

[JamesTXSD]

A lot depends on what you tow with. A full size SUV or truck with 4WD should be able to launch and retrieve any C-Dory. 4WD is handy with wet ramps.

Yep. I've got a full sized PU with 4WD

Define "full size." Half ton, 3/4 ton, 1 ton? There is regular discussion here regarding tow vehicles, but most will say the half ton is not enough truck for the C-Dory 25 or the Venture 26.

2017 Dodge RAM 1500 with 5.7 Hemi. I regularly tow 7k lbs with electronic brakes on the trailer.

Our C-Dory 25 was 8,700 pounds on the trailer. Before you cuss me out by quoting the numbers that the factory publishes on the website, do some searching here... those numbers have been WAY off for well over a decade. No idea why the factory doesn't update the info. I would not tow a 25/26 with a half ton pickup, but some have. You have a nice truck, but it really won't "tow anything." We towed our CD-25 with a 3/4 ton diesel.

Yes, I know the manufacturers state towing weights (often with the use of a weight distributing hitch), and the salesmen will tell you, "This truck will tow anything." Not real world accurate. I see the same thing frequently in RV forums, where the weights of RVs are substantially under-stated.

 

[pluscount]

A lot depends on what you tow with. A full size SUV or truck with 4WD should be able to launch and retrieve any C-Dory. 4WD is handy with wet ramps.

Yep. I've got a full sized PU with 4WD

Define "full size." Half ton, 3/4 ton, 1 ton? There is regular discussion here regarding tow vehicles, but most will say the half ton is not enough truck for the C-Dory 25 or the Venture 26.

2017 Dodge RAM 1500 with 5.7 Hemi. I regularly tow 7k lbs with electronic brakes on the trailer.

Our C-Dory 25 was 8,700 pounds on the trailer. Before you cuss me out by quoting the numbers that the factory publishes on the website, do some searching here... those numbers have been WAY off for well over a decade. No idea why the factory doesn't update the info. I would not tow a 25/26 with a half ton pickup, but some have. You have a nice truck, but it really won't "tow anything." We towed our CD-25 with a 3/4 ton diesel.

You are correct. I was misled by the factory numbers. Although my truck is rated for 9k pounds, I wouldn't tow over 7.5 on a regular basis on the highway.

 

[Jack in Alaska]

I towed my 22' with a 3/4 ton power wagon with fat tires and racing slick type (wide) tires on the single axle trailer. I could tow it anywhere including over the bank and down onto the sandy beach to ocean launch. It also retrieved w/o problem.

I tow my 26' with a one ton dually diesel 4x4 w/o problem but use the ramp. Boat is too heavy for the beach launching.

Jack

 

[Peter & Judy]

I tow with a F350 one ton 4x4, so towing my 22. Even with the camper on the truck, is like the boat isn't even there. The problem that I have encountered a couple times now is launching in shallow water or ramps. On Teslin Lake, Yukon I could not float my boat because the water was not deep enough on the shallow angled ramp with the low water last summer. The guys with 16' aluminum fish boats had no issues. So consider where you are planning to launch, is the water deep enough?

 

[thataway]

We had a 3/4 ton diesel for our first 25, and towed all over the US and Western Canada/Alaska. About 2 years ago, I towed my son's 25 over the "Grapevine" in 110* temperatures, and the transmission got up to temperatures beyond where I was comfortable, so we did a cool down period, and the Yukon XL handled the boat in heavy Los Angeles traffic OK.

I just got back from towing a 25 from N. Carolina to Pensacola with my Yukon XL--1/2 ton 5.7L,, with heavy duty tow package. Not ideal, but in 90* weather the tranny temp never got over rated temps. The load was stable, no sway. I towed at 55 to 57 most of the time. I averaged 10.8 mph over 860 miles. I do have 4x with dual ranges and diff. locks/traction control, , but rarely use it on the ramps--probably more for the low gearing than the traction.

For the West where you live, I definitely would go 3/4 ton, with diesel, just because of the grades, if you want to tow to Powell often. For example I did tow a 22 once to Powell, with a Honda Pilot. (5,000 capacity "boat", 3500 for "house trailer". You are wise to have electric over hydraulic brakes. (Colby is one of the brats who touts the electromagnetic brakes --as used in travel trailers, and horse trailers--Many of us worry about the rust and corrosion. If you stick to only fresh water, they may be fine. I suspect Colby will weigh in on this subject.)

The 26 Venture will weight a little more than the 25.

 

[pluscount]

For the West where you live, I definitely would go 3/4 ton, with diesel, just because of the grades, if you want to tow to Powell often. For example I did tow a 22 once to Powell, with a Honda Pilot. (5,000 capacity "boat", 3500 for "house trailer". You are wise to have electric over hydraulic brakes. (Colby is one of the brats who touts the electromagnetic brakes --as used in travel trailers, and horse trailers--Many of us worry about the rust and corrosion. If you stick to only fresh water, they may be fine. I suspect Colby will weigh in on this subject.)

The 26 Venture will weight a little more than the 25.

I was leaning toward a 22 Cruiser anyway and don't want to get a new truck for a heavier boat. I'll start watching the adds. Thanks everyone for all the help.

 

[jbdba01]

I solo launch/retrieve a Glacier Bay 2670 - call it 9k pounds 26' somewhat frequently on a Toyota Tundra 2wd 5.7.

On a not so good ramp I would want electric over hydraulics.on the brakes...but as it is it works fine.

My normal commute to the ramp is 15-25 miles.

Always easier with 2 people, but I like the second to be seasoned. Otherwise it's easier just to do it by myself.

With a seasoned crew we can launch in probably 60-90 seconds. When my buddy and I are on our A game we can retrieve in 30-60
All hand signals. Normally as he's backing the trailer in I'm pulling the boat up.

Good crew makes a big diff...to me size is just a question of going a bit slower...once you have the hang of it it's a well oiled machine

 

[colbysmith]

I frequently launch solo. Currently tow my CD-22 with a Ford F150, but before that, towed with a Toyota Highlander. While the F150 does feel more solid/stable, I had no issues with the Highlander. I also have pure electric trailer brakes. You asked about launching. The 22 is fairly easy to launch and load. Assuming you have a good ramp. However, I've also launched/loaded on shallow ramps. If you had no problem backing your 14 foot in, you'll have no problem with the C-Dory. Current and wind is a hassle with all boats. If you are good at backing, that's half the battle. Finding your trailers sweet spot of how far to back it in, is the other half. I just don't really think the size of the boat matters, as long as you have enough water under it. (I've trailered a pontoon boat, a 12' fishing boat, a 27' cabin cruiser, and now my 22. I had a roller trailer for a while under the 27' Searay. Bunks ARE much better! ) Colby

 

[C-Green]

I also went from a 14' open al skiff (still have and use it) to a CD22. Launching and retrieving became no more difficult than the skiff; there was a small learning curve and did the 1st launch and retrieve with an experienced CD22er. Wind is the challenge with the CD22 whether docking or loading on the trailer.

Jay

 

[journey on]

Well, here's how we launch Journey On the easy way. I've wanted to show this for years because I've read all about the guys who launch by themselves, etc, etc. We don't do that.

First, we have both of us to launch the boat and we use both of us. Never have launched a boat with only one.

Second, find a launch ramp with docks running alongside the launch ramp. We've done otherwise and nada mas.

Third, back the boat down the ramp. I'll back it down and then Judy stands on the brakes to give us 8 wheel braking. We have EOH brakes and we don't worry about how steep or slippery it is. We do worry if it's too shallow. Keep the truck tires just above the waterline, since we launch in salt water.

Fourth, unwind the winch slowly until the boat is in the water. We happen to have a roller trailer, so this is easy. Once the boat is in the water, Judy is off the brakes and leaves the truck.

Fifth, I unhitch the cable and Judy is on the dock, takes the dock lines and walks the boat back. I pull the trailer out and wash down the brakes with Salt-Away.

We're done. Go slow and it's simple and easy. By the way, San Diego Mission bay doesn't have a launch ramp with docks running alongside the ramp.

Boris

 

[starcrafttom]

What are the real world difficulties in launching from a decent ramp with larger and larger C Dorys?

Really, none. launching a boat is launching a boat. You have to set up a system and then follow it. On any given summer I will tow and launch a 12 bostom whaler, a 16 flat bottom jet boat , a 17.5 ft fishing boat, 22 cdorys and my 27 cdory. Each one has different needs and requirement for launch and retrieval. Training is the key. Take a week day and find a ramp that does not get used to much and launch your boat over and over again. 20 launches in a day is a years worth or training. Same with docking. find a dock that no one is using and dock over and over again by your self, with a crew and if you want to get fancy with one hand. Never know when you are going to get injured. And as long as I am on the subject train your boating partner ( wife or buddy) to run and dock your boat. Never know when you are going to go down for the count. It just amazes me that any one would get on a boat or air craft ( my brother and parents fly) with out any idea how to safety return to port or call for help.

My next suggestion is know what to do where when launching your boat at a ramp. Moving gear from the truck to the boat, adding ropes and bumper, rigging rod or canvas, taking the dog for a walk one last time, asking for directions or figuring out how to launch for the first time is NOT to be done on the ramp. do all that in the parking lot before you start down the ramp. fing off on the ramp on a weekend is a mortal sin and should carry the same punishment.

Is my 27 harder to launch then my 22? Not really if you have developed a system and set up your trailer correctly.

 

[localboy]

A lot depends on what you tow with. A full size SUV or truck with 4WD should be able to launch and retrieve any C-Dory. 4WD is handy with wet ramps.

David

I would agree, especially where there are large tidal swings and the ramps can become long/steep.

I solo quite a bit as we are both working stiffs. I have one long line I tie to the rear cleat on whatever side the ramp is on. I take that line all the way up to the bow and with the bow line, I put both across the anchor and into the truck bed. I then back down and launch and I have both lines in my hand as the boat floats; I'm at the winch anyway. I jump up on the dock, walk it back and tie it off. I then go back to the truck, pull out and park. The one long line is actually the two stern lines I use on the boat (one starboard, one port) just tied together with a bowline knot. It's more work, but if I want to go enjoy the water and the Admiral is working...

 

[smckean (Tosca)]

I don't necessary recommend this, but it works for me. I likely never would have tried this technique except the previous owner (David McKibben) taught me in spite of my skepticism.

I almost always launch single-handed. I use the not-too-steep concrete ramp at a Cooks' Cove on Guemes Island. There are no amenities there....just the ramp and a little protection to the west from a finger of rocks that are uncomfortably close (less than a boat length).

I back the trailer down the ramp; tie the shore dinghy to the boat at a precise location so it is not in the way; hop on board; start the engine trimmed way up; put the prop in gear and set the RPMs btwn 1500 and 2000 (more on this later). Go back to the trailer and untie the boat from the winch....the boat is now free, but held on the trailer by the prop's forward push. I climb back on board; put the engine in neutral. Sometimes the boat just slides down the rollers into the water; other times I have to give it some reverse. Tie the boat to my buoy; get in the dinghy and row back to shore to take the 4Runner and trailer off the ramp; get back in the dinghy; row back the boat on the buoy....AND I AM DONE!

Whew! A lot of work, but I've gotten used to it. I have had twice that the boat slid down the trailer without me (not a good feeling). First time, luckily there was little current or wind. I found a random kayak with a paddle on shore and used that to chase the boat down. The second time (long story why), I was able to jump half way into the attached dinghy, so I went with the boat. I got very wet, but I stayed with the boat. Hence my current use of the engine to hold the boat on the trailer until I am safely on board.....I don't want to see that boat take off without me again!!! :wink:

 

[starcrafttom]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boe6BtZwjjo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qHdPhkSSNQ

How to launch and how to dock. I have got to get that tune on the speakers for Friday harbor.