Virgin launch

stevedonna · 24 November 2013, 07:59

Morning all.
Bought ribcraft 4.8m , done power boat 2 course, nearly got all the safety gear needed. So now itching to do first ever launch. Also scared of making a complete tit of myself !!
Bearing in mind I live in derbyshire therefore I guess east coast would be best does anyone know a suitable place to launch with the least people watching !

Hightower · 24 November 2013, 08:18

Preparation is the key here! Make sure you have everything ready for the launch before you reverse down the slipway.

There are quite a few youtube vids that you can watch which will help you, but the important thing is to find and get in to a routine that is good for you. Never let anyone help you as you'll forget to do something (I can speak from experience here). The other recommendation is to find a quiet location with no waves to hinder you. A nice harbour location with a floating pontoon where to tie up to whilst you recover the trailer.

chris.moody · 24 November 2013, 08:22

I live in the midlands and do all my boating on the south coast (mainly The Solent). I guess Derbyshire to Southampton would be a slightly longer drive than the East coast, but the Solent area and Dorset coastline are great.

stevedonna · 24 November 2013, 08:26

Didn't think of watching a YouTube launch will do thanks . Just need to find the right location where we can take our time .

stevedonna · 24 November 2013, 08:27

Might try the south coast when I have a bit more time I think it is a fair jaunt down there for us

stevedonna · 24 November 2013, 08:29

As anyone launched at Whitby and if so is any good for beginners

Timw44 · 24 November 2013, 08:33

Nice & slow, ignore anyone watching or giving "advice" and make sure the winch is locked and the painter is tied on to the trailer. Well. Those are my 4 basic rules... Personally, I'm a bit paranoid about the boat being secure on the trailer after seeing a nice 6.8m rib gracefully slide off the trailer and down the slipway on its keel and Skeg at West Bay a few years ago!

Festinghouse · 24 November 2013, 08:35

youtube is great for finding informative videos, but do remember that there are lots of videos on there showing how NOT to do it!

stevedonna · 24 November 2013, 08:36

Cheers don't fancy watching mine slip away !!

TRevor Lawson · 24 November 2013, 08:38

Hi Welcome to ribbing as said befor prep is key make sure it#s ready befor launch, i usually untie all straps but leave on winch and safety chain, have engine primed and ready to start, youwil .llearn from experience how far to put trailer in but as little as poss is best i have a 4.5 and can get away with car rear wheels on the water line .not sure there are many good locations on east coat, but herne bay in kent has a good wide concrete slip (4 cars) into a small sheltered harbour protected from the sea and wind, also once launched can moor up to load up and park car etc,free to launch carpark £1.50 all day this time of year. you get about 3 hours ethier side of high waternot too busy in winter mostly fishermen check tides and weather befor you set off, may be around in dec if help regd on a suitable day pm me will help if can, Trevor

stevedonna · 24 November 2013, 08:39

Good point do,you know of one that is 'what good looks like '

stevedonna · 24 November 2013, 08:45

the problem I guess I am always going to have is my location . Although your offer of a help makes it very tempting to drive a bit further . I do have a bit of time off from 16th dec so might think about it .
Cheers

spartacus · 24 November 2013, 09:35

Agreed about painter being secured before reversing. I always have a back-up rope to the bow U-bolt just in case.

Once you reach the water's edge, switch off engine and leave the car in gear. There's a fair weight with trailer, boat and engine. Most handbrake cables will stretch slightly over time, so this is good back-up measure.

With the 4.8, there's no need to dunk your rear wheels. She'll float off easily as long as waterline is up to mudguards on trailer. On retrieving, pull the transom bung and ensure the painter, winch strap and a back up chain/rope are secured.

Good luck

stevedonna · 24 November 2013, 09:41

Nice one never thought of putting car in gear . Just watched a video on you tube . They made it look easy . Anyone any thoughts on east coast location .?

tony t · 24 November 2013, 09:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevedonna

Nice one never thought of putting car in gear . Just watched a video on you tube . They made it look easy . Anyone any thoughts on east coast location .?

Get yea boat hitched up and head west loads of easy places in Cardigan bay where you can launch in a harbour, this time of year you will have the slip to your self
Google Aberdovey I'm always around to help and give any advice plus the scenery this way is better then heading south

stevedonna · 24 November 2013, 10:27

Just checked on sat nav 3 hrs 20 min to aberdovey bit of a trek for a day but looks nice .

tony t · 24 November 2013, 10:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevedonna

Just checked on sat nav 3 hrs 20 min to aberdovey bit of a trek for a day but looks nice .

Worth the effort tho for future trips

stevedonna · 24 November 2013, 10:53

Yes my mother lives on Anglesey so might be worth an over night day

HUMBER P4VWL · 24 November 2013, 10:56

Anglesey is an easy run this time of year, motorway/dual carriageway all the way. Plus some of the most spectacular sheltered waters.

stray · 24 November 2013, 11:07

Quote:

Anyone any thoughts on east coast location .?

Ask on the Whitby;

Whitby Sea Anglers Forums - Index

or Holderness coast;

Holderness Coast Fishing Forums - Index

fishing forums about launching places on the East coast, several boat anglers on them.