Types of slipway and launch method

Peter J · 03 July 2004, 16:48

Hello all,

I am a brand new member, this is my first post.

I have just bought a RibX 575 and take delivery next week.

I wanted to ask what members thought was the best type of slipway to use by which I mean a steep one or a shallow one. Not having actually launched a RIB yet I assume a shallow one means you have to back the trailer in further but it is not hard to pull up out of A steep one means you dont have to back in as far but need a 4 x 4 to pull out (i have a 4 x 4 as it happens).
Do you always take the trailer off the car and use a rope or leave it attached to the car.

Any Solent based members say which slipway on to Solent they like best and why? It seems all the free ones have nowhere to moor your boat while you park the car and trailer.

I am so glad I found this forum - I wasn't sure about VHF radio but having read the threads I am off you book a training course.

roohairy · 03 July 2004, 17:04

Just steep enough that you can get her off without unhooking or putting the vehicle in the water, and launch at high tide! Make life as easy as you can... Of course in real life you'll just have to make do the best you can.

geoff · 03 July 2004, 17:18

Send me your email and I will return with an article I wrote for PBO on the subject of launching. Geoff@boatlaunch.co.uk
Also have a look on my web site for info on your local slipway.

Gazza · 03 July 2004, 17:47

Well Done Peter.... Great boat that I am sure you will enjoy...

I usually find when launching that so long as the rear support rollers are just on the water line its fine....( not the keel rollers)

To start with go a little deeper if you are unsure

But that depends on which trailer you have....

Gazza

Hightower · 03 July 2004, 18:04

Launch at Warsash, all tide recovery, free parking and public pontoons. Oh yeh and a pub......Is a shallowish slip so might need to push trailer by hand on low tide, keep it attached to car via a strop or good rope.

Simon Hawkins · 03 July 2004, 18:06

A medium gradient slipway is probably better although remember to put some chocks behind your wheels on the car. The idea is to let the boat float off the trailer. If the slip is not steep enough then use a rope. Attach this to the trailer and the tow hitch, put something behind the trailer wheels(Do not use the hand brake on the trailer as this may not always hold) Then take the strain on the rope by moving the car forwards then reverse the car so that the boat floats off the rear rollers of the trailer. This will save the hull from scuffs by the rollers.

Always slip your bow line to the trailer and back to the boat and unattach the winch strop. This will mean once you are on the boat you wont have to lean over the bow to reach the strop, but just slip the line from the trailer.

Lastly before taking the boat off the trailer I suggest you let the engine warm up for about 3 minute to prevent it from stalling, due to is being cold.

arn.george · 03 July 2004, 18:52

Best way is get a trailer with a cradle - only have to go in as far as wheels - keeps vehicle dry!

And saves water ingress into hubs.

tue · 03 July 2004, 20:05

just make sure you chock your car wheels or are damn sure the handbrake will hold. You don't want to end up like this http://www.brixhambsac.pwp.blueyonde...gone_wrong.htm

Andy Beach · 03 July 2004, 20:28

My favoured launch site for the Solent is Calshot Activities Centre - not the cheapest but accessible at all states, trailer stays attached to car (no messing with ropes) and all facilities on site. There is no pontoon so best to have a car and boat driver.

http://www.boatlaunch.co.uk/popup.asp?iconID=51

Look out for a white/grey Avon RIB - That'll be us!!

Andy Beach

Manos · 03 July 2004, 20:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter J

Hello all,I have just bought a RibX 575 and take delivery next week.

A friendly advise, make sure that the boat doesn't have PVC 'ventilation'

things like those shown in the link on it http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=5411, Also check the botom half of the console and make sure that is properly jell coated, and that the hull hatch covers and deck do not have chips also that the battery is properly secured with straps on.
The photos you see in the link bellow are from 640s FALCON Boats (same as the 545 only longer just a bit) which in England they come under the brand name RIB-X. See also this thread http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=5083&page=2
The boats usually appart from some minor (and in my case MAJOR) bits that may be damaged or missing (poss not in your case since I assume that RIB-X have looked the boat over and I know having met the guys that they have made sure that everything is OK before delivery as they are 1st class people) goes pritty well but you need to have the engine trimmed down at all times and just play with the throttle only. Aslo is a strong made boat and although now from what I have experienced I have my doubts about the PVC lasting for long (will see in a few years anyway), I believe that the hull will last you for years.
Enjoy her and just put her in the water. Follow your instict

wetterthebetter · 04 July 2004, 07:54

Best tip - make your first attempt midweek when there are not too many people around. Slips make for great entertainment!

timboli · 04 July 2004, 08:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Beach

My favoured launch site for the Solent is Calshot Activities Centre - not the cheapest but accessible at all states, trailer stays attached to car (no messing with ropes) and all facilities on site. There is no pontoon so best to have a car and boat driver.

http://www.boatlaunch.co.uk/popup.asp?iconID=51

Look out for a white/grey Avon RIB - That'll be us!!

Andy Beach

I,ll second this,we joined as members for 130.00 in february it has more then paid for itself already with 16 launches,a strong northerly is interesting requiring modification of technique but I find the prevailing southwesterlies are ideal.
The slip is fine with my 4x4,quite steep and what a joy to not have to worry about tides.
We have used the rnli landing stage,without any one getting excited and there is another pontoon,high water only at one of the other two slips that are there.
There are toilets and a bar in the main hanger.
The main slipway with our boat means I can get away with only launching the trailer just over the wheel bearings(10 inch wheels) which helps with the wear and tear on the trailer,I dont know if this will work with your setup though.
Negatives-a day blown out due to a busy cat meeting and parking can sometimes be a little busy.
Look out for us Andy-may have seen you already-blue humber-yam100

Oh and saw a seal just off the slipway last time we launched!!

Andy Beach · 04 July 2004, 15:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by wetterthebetter

Best tip - make your first attempt midweek when there are not too many people around. Slips make for great entertainment!

Good tip - my son entertains visitors wth the tale of our first launch!

Quote:

Originally Posted by timboli

The slip is fine with my 4x4,quite steep

I use a front wheel drive (Vauxhall) and don't have too many problems. It only gets a bit interesting at low tide with the weed and stones at the bottom of the main slip - plenty of wheelspin on the way up (so much so a very kind RNLI chap suggested the use of a rope! I pointed out that as it's a company car the tyres don't wear and the body is impervious to saltwater corrosion!!!).

Another nice thing about Calshot is access to hoses to do all the cleaning down before getting home (after driving back to Birmingham I have to say I'm not very keen on doing too much more!)

Timboli - we'll be heading down just a soon as the weather eases off a bit - I'm getting withdrawl symptoms from not having been out for a few weeks! I'll keep an eye out for you and your Humber

Andy Beach

timboli · 04 July 2004, 16:18

Timboli - we'll be heading down just a soon as the weather eases off a bit - I'm getting withdrawl symptoms from not having been out for a few weeks! I'll keep an eye out for you and your Humber

Andy Beach [/QUOTE]

Me too,were doing other things next weekend but after that,first bit of decent weather,we hope to be out.

Rogue Wave · 04 July 2004, 23:44

The public slipway at Southampton under the Itchen bridge is superb and it's free. It's very nearly an all state of tide slipway give or take an hour either side of low tide. I prefer a steep slipway and remember low ratio is mandatory on a slipway if you have it.

there is also a little known but rather good public slipway at Town Quay,

If you need a hand launching the first time send me a message I work in Saxon Wharf which isn't to far away

Fluid tuition and Stormforce coaching are good training establishments in Southampton as is the Ocean Quay sea skool. AquaWaves in Hythe and Aquapower in Yarmouth whom I have heard good reports of

Richard B · 05 July 2004, 06:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

Stormforce coaching are good training establishments in Southampton ...

I notice Stormforce use a Camel RIB for some courses and find that boat "perfectly balanced"

Rogue Wave · 05 July 2004, 07:52

They are good boats Richard, It's just they don't frightem me enuff

Peter J · 05 July 2004, 20:12

Just like to thank all of you who replied.

Attempting my first launch this weekend, weather permitting.

I'll let you know how I get on

Regards,

Peter

Richard B · 05 July 2004, 23:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

They are good boats Richard, It's just they don't frightem me enuff

OK - would this boat frighten you enough?