Got the boat in the water not my finest hour.

Beady · Post by **Beady** » Sat Apr 30, 2011 12:54 pm

Well got the boat in the water but had a few problems. I thought no need to extend the tongue on the trailer the water is at flood stage. The boat went in but then would not deep enough to float off the trailer so I started back up the ramp and the trailer popped off the ball and the trailer was hanging on the chains. (turns out I had switched to the smaller ball for the other boat). Could not get the trailer back on the ball with out it popping off so we just unhooked the chains and let the trailer roll down the ramp. I waded in and put a line around it and pulled it out. Ok so the boat is floating and all is right with the world.

We head out and into a strong head wind and the electric motor can not push against the wind. I had put the main on the boat and the sail cover last night so I just pulled up the main and headed up into the wind. A couple of tacks and out popped a batton. I sailed the boat into the dock area and make a quick 90 degree to port up into the wind stalled the boat right at my slip. Took the main off the boat and tossed into into the cabin to inspect later.

Went to the trailer and noticed that I had actually bent the frame on the trailer. I was going to work on the trailer anyway but now have a little more work.

The boat is now in the slip the trailer is stored for the moment and once again all is right with the world.

Bhacurly · Post by **Bhacurly** » Sat Apr 30, 2011 3:05 pm

Live an learn Brian live an learn

I love it! We were hauling boat down the rode and heard some strange noises coming from the trailer.... hmmm... should we stop,, take a look... Ya we had the wrong size ball on also...

FWIW, this time a year and late Fall in our lake the water is deep enough to float the boat, but we have to push it manually on/off the trailer with the truck sitting still... if we pull the truck forward the trailer comes up and the rear bunks will grab the boat.

Knowing that tidbit allows me to put in earlier and leave it in longer...

Oh, and I lost all my battens off my main over the first year. The rigger looking at it said, the OEM style, had an elastic "gizmo" (my term) in the forward pocket of the batten sleeve which would push the batten aft into that fold on the leech... but over time that elastic goes bad, and when in high winds the now loose batten and flapping motion will eject the batten and it will find it's way to the water where if your lucky you will see it slowly sink from view...

I know its overkill but I love my 15 hp in strong winds and heavy chop, cuz it's always into the wind on the way home...

Now enjoy the rest of the Season!

Banshi · Post by **Banshi** » Sat Apr 30, 2011 4:43 pm

On the positive side the trailer jumped off the ball with the boat in the water and not going 65 down the highway

Mario G · Post by **Mario G** » Sat Apr 30, 2011 5:11 pm

Its just part of sailing Brian, we all have those days. I once left my sails home and had my C-22 already in the lake and had to drive 2 hours round trip to get them...

If you want to make your self feel better and read some real funny "bone head moves"

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/seamanshi ... -post.html

some will have you busting a gut

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Sat Apr 30, 2011 7:04 pm

Beady,

Clearly your boat did not want to get back out of the water once it was in the water. As for the baton. Your boat just wanted everything right before getting you out too far from the dock.

I'm going to have to say you had a good day. Perspective my friend, Perspective.

Call me a nut but our boats have a personality. Now the next question may be very silly but I will ask it anyway.

Does your boat have a name? Have you named it yet? If you have named it did you take your boat head on into the wind and then drift back over the old name so the new name will take.

Superstition I know. My boat was a pain for the prior 2 owners and for me till I did this. My C-22 is a dream sailor now.

Now you headed off into the wind right. Your boat backed itself up popping out the baton. The boat did it, itself.

There I said it, now go fix the baton and go sailing ASAP. A really good time is about to be had.

Thanks
Alan

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Sat Apr 30, 2011 8:59 pm

So here's what I want to pick up on and learn from: If the "gizmos" don't work after an extended period of time, what is everyone doing to keep the batons in?

Beady · Post by **Beady** » Sun May 01, 2011 3:48 am

Alan:

The boat is the Sail La Vie and last year I had motor problems the first day I launched (switched to the electric after that).
I think the problem is that after waiting all winter and enduring endless rainstorms, I was just in a hurry and that is not a good thing.

EmergencyExit · Post by **EmergencyExit** » Sun May 01, 2011 5:27 am

I once pulled up in front of the Cal21, got out and slid the hitch into its receiver tube (I keep it in the vehicle so it doesn't wander off with someone), backed up, hooked up, and headed for the ramp.

Got halfway there and "BAM". Got out, and there on the ground was the trailer tongue, but with the ball and hitch still attached..yep forgot to insert the keeper pin..

But you brought her to the dock under sail and that is one for your plus column !!

Bhacurly · Post by **Bhacurly** » Sun May 01, 2011 8:37 am

Mario G wrote:I once left my sails home and had my C-22 already in the lake and had to drive 2 hours round trip to get them...

That reminded me.. We got to boat and forgot the boat keys... 2 hrs round trip here also...

Paul, I'm sure a rigger can replace the elastic for a reasonable price, or just duct tape, sew, glue, staple or whatever works. I sailed the last 3 years w/o any, so I'm probably not the best source anyway

mariner · Post by **mariner** » Sun May 01, 2011 8:57 am

So what do they say...sailing is 90% boredom and 10% shear terror! glad everyone is safe and fingers or limbs were lost!

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Sun May 01, 2011 4:13 pm

Beady,

Cool name "Sail La Vie" so when something goes wrong you say "Say La Vie" shrug your shoulders and go on with a big smile and a great story to tell.

Thanks
Alan

John K · Post by **John K** » Mon May 02, 2011 4:53 am

I lost a couple of the wooden battens as a storm ran in on top of us last year. I replaced them all with fiberglass battens and put a square of sail tape over the ends of the pockets.

Capt. Bondo · Post by **Capt. Bondo** » Mon May 02, 2011 9:06 am

Keep a extra boat key in the boat's tool box or first aid kit that stays on board. Keep the boats pad lock key on the key chain of the tow vehicle.