Launching a Corsair F-17 trimaran

Rum_Pirate

Rum_Pirate

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I have a Corsair F-17 trimaran that is scheduled to be launched tomorrow.

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The outriggers (amas) are now deluded into the man hull.

Rain is scheduled all morning according to 'windy'. đŸ˜« Windy as forecasted

Corsair F-17 weighs 2,600 lbs + twin axle trailer.

Have had a rather confounded time getting a vehicle to launch it from the trailer.
It requires a 2 5/16" ball which is larger than usual here.
Have now found three. (like busses, none then several).
One in a boat yard store (£20.00), one on a F150 pickup (we rented see below) and (hopefully tomorrow) one on another vehicle my sailing partner has organised.

Distance is +/- 200 feet from current position to the waterline on the ramp.
All slight downhill or flat.
Potential vehicles :
1. The boat yard has a land Rover, but won't use it .
2. The recommended chap has a 6 liter old chevy but there are issues with it.
3. He also has an old tractor but needs work as apparently oil pours out faster than it pours in.
A seal or two require replacing, which he will replace 'soon' as he wants/needs to haul out his boat. Two weeks now.
4. Vehicle my sailing partner has organised.
5. The Ford F150 (we rented it £110.00 a day) from a hire company and towed the boat and trailer to the boat yard, has been rented to somebody for a week. There was a tire pressure warning light, a low engine oil warning light, and little difficulty with the auto transmission.
Plus it uses gasoline at the rated 2-4 miles to the gallon. đŸ˜³

Awaiting to see what tomorrow brings.
 
200ft, can you not hire a bunch of likely local lads to push it? About 10 should do the trick. That or any vehicle will take the boat that distance. Take your time, get the mast up, it’s all easier than it looks. Make sure the engine starts and be prepared for the windage. I’d launch unfolded if you can, it’s just one less unfamiliar operation to do on the water, though it’s unbelievably easy. Keep the spanner for the lock bolts to hand. Most of all, take a bottle of fizz, and enjoy it. Wish I was there.
 
Chiara’s slave said:
200ft, can you not hire a bunch of likely local lads to push it? About 10 should do the trick. That or any vehicle will take the boat that distance. Take your time, get the mast up, it’s all easier than it looks. Make sure the engine starts and be prepared for the windage. I’d launch unfolded if you can, it’s just one less unfamiliar operation to do on the water, though it’s unbelievably easy. Keep the spanner for the lock bolts to hand. Most of all, take a bottle of fizz, and enjoy it. Wish I was there.
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hire a bunch of likely local lads to push it? About 10 should do the trick. - Too expensive.

That or any vehicle will take the boat that distance. - Trying to get one with the tow bar

Take your time, get the mast up, it’s all easier than it looks. - Mast is up

Make sure the engine starts - Engine services and run tested.

and be prepared for the windage. - Will do, but it is not bad at location.

I’d launch unfolded if you can, it’s just one less unfamiliar operation to do on the water, though it’s unbelievably easy. - Agreed but with partner,we will do it folded for first time. Plus have to reset the six(6) side bunker board supports

Keep the spanner for the lock bolts to hand. It is sitting next to me as I type.

Most of all, take a bottle of fizz, and enjoy it. - Plan to do so. Short voyage to boring - about 15 miles as the crow flies.

Wish I was there. - Am sure you are. Will be welcome aboard if and when you drop in. Will try and remember to post pictures.
 
You got the dagger board slot fixed? If you're taking photos I'd like to see one of that repair. Good luck with the launch - very exciting (y)
 
Moving a trailer on the flat is relatively easy and a car with a rope, or better a fitted winch, should suffice. Gravity should take the trailer down a slipway, again it can be controlled by a rope to a car. That is how I used to move my 22ft race boat with a lift keel for launching.
 
Vehicle wise… leave the jockey wheel down, make a loop of mooring line, 10-12mm stuff, drop round any old hitch, tie through hand hold on the trailer, drag the bitch to the water. You might need a few mates to turn her stern first. It’s often best to lower te trailer on a line anyway, saves a possible car dunk. She floats off real easy, once she’s half in, get hold of 5he bow, lift and shove. Then you canI pull her back into shallow water and slide aboard via the float.

great minds, concerto. Twin axle trailers are a pain to turn though.
 
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That looks like many a boatyard tractor the world over.

You could move the boat with little more than two blokes and two long levers at the rear of the trailer I suppose .. but I like the tractor idea more ..

Do they launch into the sea right behind your tri using skids rollers or boards at all ?
 
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Blueboatman said:
That looks like many a boatyard tractor the world over.

You could move the boat with little more than two blokes and two long levers at the rear of the trailer I suppose .. but I like the tractor idea more ..

Do they launch into the sea right behind your tri using skids rollers or boards at all ?
Click to expand...
Trailer is reversed into sea and boat floated off.. usually the rear tires of the towing vehicle get wet.
 
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