Going down in size

JSP · 26 March 2009, 16:32

I'm seriously considering going down to a smaller boat than the 5.4m SR due to single handed launching/recovery. Just trying to decide what small boat's I could live with for the money I'd get for my Searider.
Loved my 4m searider but could do with a bit more space so a 4.7m would be grand but not realistic due to availability. (Unless someone wants to go rob Rougewaves?

)

The market for an old boat at the 4.7m kind of size is not very wide.
This looks ok but not sure what kind of price it will go for http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/4-5MTR-CHINOOK-RIB-BOAT-WITH-ENGINE_W0QQitemZ200324295740QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_ CarsParts_Vehicles_Boat_Engines_EngineParts_SM?has h=item200324295740&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms= 66%3A4|65%3A10|39%3A1|240%3A1318

Or maybe just putting a lighter engine on the back of mine would be the answer?

Had a few things happen over the weekend and the beginning of this week with my health that have left me hanging on to any kind of trailer boating by the skin of my teeth.

Nasher · 26 March 2009, 16:43

John

Sorry to hear about the problems you're having.

However I'd respectfully suggest a 5.4SR shouldn't be any more difficult to launch than a 4.7, its all about the trailer set up etc.

There must be a better way.

I prefer not to, but can launch and recover my 6.5 by myself, and there are a lot of others on here do it too.

I know your situation is slightly different because of your health, but I'd be asking for help about setting the boat/trailer up better for single handed than downsizing the boat.

Nasher.

doggypaddle · 26 March 2009, 16:46

I wouldnt have thought a 4.7sr would be massively different to a 5.4?
there is only 75kgs weight difference. Perhaps you should look at lighter constructed ribs, avons aren't known for being light.
Whats your problem with the weight john? I have always found mine really easy to get on and off the trailer, (swingbeam trailer) as long as its a decent slip and not too flat. I know you have to be careful not to strain yourself so would an electric winch and a swingbeam trailer with guide rails help you?

doggypaddle · 26 March 2009, 16:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasher

John

Sorry to hear about the problems you're having.

However I'd respectfully suggest a 5.4SR shouldn't be any more difficult to launch than a 4.7, its all about the trailer set up etc.

There must be a better way.

I prefer not to, but can launch and recover my 6.5 by myself, and there are a lot of others on here do it too.

I know your situation is slightly different because of your health, but I'd be asking for help about setting the boat/trailer up better for single handed than downsizing the boat.

Nasher.

I have to say i am inclined to agree with nasher, my sr Finds its own way off the trailer, too easily sometimes as you can't put any slack in the winch to unhook the winch because the boats off on its own.
back in is easy too even on a really steep slip, especially last time at camber because i just watched MRS NOS4R2 winch it on for me

had a bunk trailer before .......bloody hard work.

JSP · 26 March 2009, 17:06

Cheers for the replies lads. Very good points but I think I've got the trailer balanced up for ease of launch as well as having the right nose weight. Launching really isn't the issue it seems to be recovery. Forgot to say DP, it's a swingbeam roller coaster type. Electric winches like have been discussed in another thread is a quick fix.
I do have the opportunity to have it on a mooring for the same price as having it on the hard standing but would need to seal that hull up for good. And as far as I know, you need to start from the inside to do a proper glassing over?
Plus it's a river mooring so could be nicked very easily.

With out sounding stupid (not easy for me

) I'm not a small fella, I've always been known for my strength but trouble is it's like having a V8 with a minis' heads glued on.

Am a tad fecked off!

JSP · 26 March 2009, 17:07

Rougewave said the same thing to me a few days ago about the weight difference between the 4.7 and 5.4. I think it's the donkey on the back of mine though.

The Garfish · 26 March 2009, 17:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSP

Launching really isn't the issue it seems to be recovery.

jus dryve de fkker onn. wen de winichman iz pind agin de bakk windoe ov de trukk, dats de tyme too throttul orf. werks wiv tracter dryvers az wel

gaRf

JSP · 26 March 2009, 17:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Garfish

jus dryve de fkker onn. wen de winichman iz pind agin de bakk windoe ov de trukk, dats de tyme too throttul orf. werks wiv tracter dryvers az wel

gaRf

GaRfy boy, not seen you around for abit, was getting worried. Not got the hang of driving it on and getting over the bow to attach the winch before the fecker floats back off again. Think I'm putting the trailer to far in?