new torture device for single handed launches

MustRib · 19 October 2015, 00:33

First launch today for me at Whitehaven, wide but steep and slippy.
Launch for 2 always better than launching solo,
but couldnt drag anyone along with me to help.
The slip is very central and pretty soon I had an audience of scallies,
old men on motorbility scooters and dotty old ladies,
trying to feed breadcrumbs to every pidgeon, seagull, swan and goose
they could encourage onto the slip!
Just at that point when I was hanging onto a mooring rope attached to the
boat, letting out the winch, and trying to get the beast moving on the rollers
and all the while looking completely stress free.....
one of these appeared and sat about 15 feet over my head.... not bloody fair

I managed to give a traditional Geordie thumbs up to the camera

(Given the absence of any mooring rings, I did manage to find a use
for the Coast to Coast cycle sculpture thingy on the slipway,
and tied the boat to it while I parked the trailer and car !

mick · 19 October 2015, 06:34

Looks a nice slip there

MustRib · 19 October 2015, 08:04

No problem putting it in....
comedy slippy underfoot when your standing in the water
and the motor struggled getting the boat back up the ramp on recovery.
Had to get some angles going at the top of the ramp to avoid grounding the trailer.
Would take quite some effort with anything over 6 metres long.
The picture doesnt really give an accurate impression of how steep it is.

Phil M · 03 November 2015, 12:26

That's my home port. It is a little steep though. When I first got the boat. We got it off an old friend and he launched it the first time. Unfortunately he un-clipped the bow eye then reversed the trailer down the slip. The boat slid off the bunks and down the slip on its own (I was horrified, having already paid for it). Thankfully there was nobody about, so no injury, and the damage was limited to a few minor scratches.

Otherwise its a great launch site. The slip is massive, although expect idiots parked at the top who just won't move over, the sea is flat as its a locked marina, the parking is secure and the launch fee is only £10.50 (includes lock access).

Next time you are there, let me know if you need a hand or company. Any excuse to launch and I'm there!

Phil M

9D280 · 03 November 2015, 13:26

Similar story as to why I rarely (read - never) launch at Helensburgh Pier! I think 2/3 of the Clyde's loose seaweed lands there!

Phil M · 03 November 2015, 15:36

In its defense, it's slippy below the waterline, but generally weed free and fine above. As it's gated, the waterline doesn't vary by more than 10-20cm. I find if I put the trailer in to just cover the hubs, launch and recovery single handed is quite easy, with a long painter. If you moor up to the left of the slip and hop out, push the boat out on a long line then drag it over to the trailer it makes an easy recovery as there is no tide or flow to take the boat. I sometimes climb down the trailer to clip the winch on, which avoids the slippery floor.

Phil M

MustRib · 04 November 2015, 01:13

Hello Phil
Would have liked some company on that trip.
Didn't see a single boat between Whitehaven and the IOM in either direction.
Where do you get to when you launch there?
Its quite a tow from the North east, but would do it again
for a two or three day trip away.

Phil M · 04 November 2015, 11:42

So far, I haven't been that far at all. Just up to Maryport or down to Seascale, which is a 45km round trip. I'm usually with our 6 yo little lad who's patience for longer trips isn't great, although getting better. When I first got the boat it was unreliable so didn't go far and following the re-build I have only managed to get about 20 hours on it, so still quite inexperienced myself and nervous about venturing too far without company, particularly as I have no space for an aux engine. The hull isn't really ideal for the chop either so quite weather dependent. I'd like to hit Kirkcudbright at some point, which is a 100km trip direct across the estuary, or 160+ km if you follow the coast. I'd need to scope out additional fuel stops or storage for that though. The IOM is another option, or following the coast down to Barrow, Piel etc. I'm definitely up for a decent trip and a little company at some point though.

Phil