First Launch and First Outing

[Robert1]

I'm due to launch my new Ribcraft 4.8 in the next fortnight. Not only will it be the first launch of this boat, but my first launch of any boat! Has anyone got any tips for my first launch and also tip for my first outing? I would be particularly keen to hear from other 4.8 owners but I would also greatly appreciate the input all of Ribnet!

Robert

[gingercoastie]

Where abouts are you planning to launch from?

[Ribald]

Hi Robert,
I used to have a 4.8 - brilliant boat and taught me a lot - you will give up before it does. Have now upgraded to a 5.85 owing to wanting a smoother ride at my age.

My main tips for launching are:

Don't forget to put the bung in (although I think the very new ones don't have this luxury)

When launching down a slip don't rely on the winch strop alone - use a rope through the D-ring tied to the trailer winch post. I have seen a few boats end up on the concrete because the ratchet on the winch slipped.

Where are you launching from?

[Robert1]

Hoping to launch in or around the Portsmouth area. Anyone have experience of a good slip?

Robert

[Ribald]

You could try the Camber slip in Old Portsmouth now the fishing boat has gone. HW is about 1300h so you will have plenty of time to launch and recover. What vehicle will you be launching with?

See http://www.boatlaunch.co.uk/ for details.

I will be down there tomorrow a.m. (not with my boat though )

[John Kennett]

Originally posted by Ribald
HW is about 1300h

How can you say that when you don't know what day he will pick?

All we've been told is that he will be launching some time in the next two weeks . . .

John

[buzz999]

Hi Robert, you could also launch from Easney there is a public slipway into langstone harbour but beware of the tide run. Loads of free parking also.
You will have to pay the harbour master for launching though, about £7 ish.
Send me a PM I work shifts and find I have a lot of free time more than happy to meet up offer advice help etc as I only live 10 minuites from slipway.

Regards Buzz

[simmons0]

Camber is free and parking is very cheap.
Few launching tips:

Make sure the boat isn't strapped to the trailer.(done that one before)

Remember to take off the lightboard.(done that one too...)

[Ribald]

Sorry JK - I have an appointment with the opticians tomorrow

[geoff]

Hi Robert,
I wrote an article on launching a few months ago for PBO. If you send me your email address I will send you a copy.

geoff@boatlaunch.co.uk

[Hightower]

I'm also going to be in a position like you because my first launch date is approaching.

I've decided that I'll launch from Fareham marina for a 2/3 hour cruise around the harbour and maybe into the Solent if all goes well.

I figured that launching at this slip would be a good introduction to boating because not only is the slip a quiet one but I'd like to test the boat package out in relative safety (14 year old outboard), I'd also be able to practise various manoeuvres and genaraly build up my confidence.

Oh yeh, Fareham slip is just round the corner.

Hope this helps.

Andy

[The Jackeens]

Hi you 2,

Give us a shout if you need a hand..we live near Fareham & usualy launch at Lee on Solent...OK but a bit open. I'm livin & learning!

Glad to escort you but not in the sexual sense !!!

Warsash is verry good at low to 3/4 tides
Haslar is steep really needs 4*4 or long rope to pull from the flat


Paul

Ps is that the slip at the creek near Fairweather ??

[nickjaxe]

Try to get somebody with experience to go with you on your 1st outing, or if thats not pos try to find somewhere non tidal, if not make sure you know how to use the anchor just in case.

Nick.

[Biggles]

I will be in the Southampton - Portsmouth area just for a look around , not at sea, and will be glad to help with any launch.

E Mail Me if you want my mobile number.

I have a 4 X 4 if you need some help.

[Robert1]

Thanks for the warm response everyone! Nice to know so many are prepared to lend a hand. Luckily, I think my neighbour will be able to accompany me so I have someone there with experience! The general idea seems to be employ some degree of common sense, making sure the boat is not actually fastened to the trailer and that the hole in the boat is actually plugged!! Nice to learn from mistakes, especially ones that you didnt make! Thanks for all the input everyone.

Robert

(oh yes, I am always willing for more info, so keep tips coming! ) Cheers

[Andy]

Camber is not FREE, its £2.50 to launch and another £2.50 to recover. But as the barrier is buggered some people just go for it and if the man is not about they dont pay.

Robert, have you launched any boat before? I am in portsmouth also if you want help, just e-mail me and I will be there.

Cheers

[aligator]

Hi Robert 1
welcome , a good way to get experience and build confidence would be to do a powerboat course , there a great way to learn
as you always have someone in the know on hand .
good luck with your 1st launch of many!

Alistair

[Hightower]

Andy, went to Old Portsmouth Friday night for a few drinkys and the barrier seems to have been fixed as it was in the down position.

Andy G

[Tim M]

My tips for a first launch:
Get plenty of ropes!
When retriving the boat, tie a line to the back of the boat on the side that the wind it blowing from, so you can straigten it up. It's much eaiser than getting in the water, or trying to drive it onto the trailer!

[John Kennett]

My tip for first launch and recovery is don't try to stay dry!

Bite the bullet and get into the water -- it saves a whole lot of messing around. A drysuit helps, but a dry towel for when you get back out is good enough.

John