Safely Launch Your Fixed-Keel Sailboat

Article Written By: ScottH.Stewart

If your sailboat has a keel that pulls up, you might consider yourself lucky. This type of boat can be launched just like you would launch a regular motorboat. But if your sailboat has a fixed keel, it will take some detailed procedures. Remember, keep safety first! With a fixed keel, the trailer has to back down to the end of the ramp to get the boat into water deep enough to float and then be disconnected from the trailer. Your tow vehicle cannot back it down far enough without getting submerged. So you must follow a set of safe steps for your successful launch.

Do you have the proper equipment to do the job safely? Your tow truck needs to be at least a mid-sized SUV or pickup truck, something fairly heavy. That weight is needed for safety. It is essential to keep all sections balanced, the truck, the trailer, and the boat.

Your tow vehicle must NOT be a front-wheel-drive type. Why? Because when the weight of the trailer presses down on the rear section of the tow vehicle, its front wheels lose traction. Some good choices of tow vehicles are rear wheel drive with manual 4-wheel drive option, all-wheel drive, or a 2-wheel drive as long as it is rear-wheel drive.

The two safety accessories you need for the job are a good quality rope and a good set of wheel chocks. You need a long, strong rope that is in a very good condition. This will be used to let the trailer into the water, so it must be strong enough to bear the total weight of the trailer and boat. Be sure it is thick enough and in good enough condition. Plan on replacing the rope each season you boat. You need some quality wheel chocks with sturdy ropes attached so you can easily yank them out at the right moment. Do not buy cheap safety equipment. If you have the money to invest in a boat, trailer, and tow vehicle, then you should spend the money to buy some quality tow rope and good quality wheel chocks.

The basic procedure for launching a fixed-keel sailboat is as follows:

1. Have the driver back the trailer up to the edge of the water.

2. The crew places the wheel chocks behind the trailer wheels.

3. Detach the trailer from the tow vehicle. Be sure the trailer's spare tire is mounted at the front of the trailer. This is necessary to hold the trailer tongue up and allow it to roll smoothly.

4. Attach the trailer to the tow vehicle with a long rope.

5. Have the tow vehicle pull forward away from the lake until the rope is taut.

6. Pull the chocks out from behind the trailer wheels and back up the tow vehicle so the trailer and boat are submerged in the water. Unless sandbars are encountered at the base of the ramp, your driver should be able to easily back up until the boat floats and free itself from the trailer.

7. Drive forward with the tow vehicle to get the trailer up out of the water. Next put the chocks under the trailer wheels, then back up the tow vehicle and hitch the trailer back on.

So what do you do if your boat ramp has not been maintained properly and you encounter those dreaded sandbars? You are probably going to need extra help. If there is a courtesy dock running beside the ramp, then your crew can tie on some dock lines and attempt to pull the trailer and boat into the water. If that doesn't work, you could call upon the brotherhood of the power boaters and enlist one of them to pull the trailer in deep enough for you! Most boaters are friendly folk and I'll bet someone will offer before you even get a chance to ask!

Remember the rules of safe boating, and wear your life vest or jacket. And keep the beer back at the picnic table if you want to stay safe.

About the Author

Mr. Stewart is the webmaster of Sailing Gear, where you can get more information about sailboat parts, Sailing Clothes and Sailing Video.

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This Article Has Been Published on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 and Read 209 Times

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Safely Launch Your Fixed-Keel Sailboat