[Rhodes22-list] For those who have yet to launch

[Bill Effros]

Thanks, Jerry

It is so useful to get these constant reminders.

I keep checklists for virtually everything I must do on a repeating 
basis. They build over time as I make mistakes, and as other people tell 
of their mistakes.

I knew to make sure the centerboard was up with pendant secured, but 
when I checked my checklist because of your email--sure enough, that 
step wasn't there. It is now.

My checklist is peculiar to my use. My boat usually just moves a few 
hundred feet from its place in the boatyard to the ramp. I launch single 
handed whenever Bruce is not around, and don't get my feet wet even 
though there is no dock on the boatramp. I use my dinghy as indicated.

Here is my checklist. As with all of my checklists, I try to work on the 
ground first, then move up into the boat without going up and down; back 
and forth. This saves an amazing amount of time in all these operations.

I print out instructions and tide tables every time I go out to the 
boat. I carry a clipboard and circle each number as I perform the task. 
(Sidebar--I rescued a guy on his own boat a few years ago after he had 
spent 2 hours locked out of his cabin because he forgot to bring the 
keys. The Launch dropped him off at his boat. He waved goodbye before 
discovering his problem. He couldn't get to his radio (safely inside) to 
call the launch to pick him up. He couldn't raise the anchor, or start 
his inboard motor. The launch operator never saw him jumping up and down 
in the cockpit. I did, but it took a while.)

Launch Instructions

On Boat:

1. Retie Tiller Pull Back Line
2. Make Sure Tiller Is Cleated in Highest Position
3. Double Check Rudder Clutch Rigging, and Loosen Wing Nut
4. Pare Down Excess Baggage--Move Stuff In and Out Of Boat
5. Set Up Motor & Remote Control & Battery Wires
6. Double Check to Ensure Centerboard is Cleated All The Way Up
7. Set Out Fenders
8. Secure Dock Lines To Cleats

Launch

1. Always Brace Rear When Releasing Trailer From Hitch
2. Unhitch Ball From Receiver
3. Remove Pins From Extension Tongue
4. Pull Out Extension Tongue
5. Re-insert Pins
6. Re-attach Receiver to Ball
7. Always Check Hitch Ball With Fingers When Coupling
8. Prepare Dinghy In Water To Assist With Launch – Oars, Etc.
9. Detach Strap from Bow Eye
10. Run Dock Line Through Strap Shackle and Secure to Bow Cleat
11. Leave Enough Slack on Dock Line So Boat Can Float Off Bunks
12. Line Up Boat With Ramp
13. When Boat Is Floating, Get On Board From Dinghy
14. Lower Tiller and Cleat in Furthest Forward Position
15. Lower Motor
16. Open Gas Tank Vent
17. Pump Gas Tank Bulb
18. Check to Ensure Dead Man’s Safety Switch is Properly Engaged
19. Turn On Motor
20. Release Bitter End of Dock Line After Motor Is On and Pull Through 
Strap Shackle
21. Motor To Dock
22. Tie Up
23. Pull Trailer Out of Water
24. Wash Down Trailer; Wheels; Bunks; Extension Arm
25. Detach Ball From Coupler
26. Boeing Extension Tongue
27. Pull Both Trailer Pins
28. Push Extension Tongue Back In Place--Reinsert Pins
29. Park Car – Get Rid Of Trailer
30. Move Boat to Mooring – Be Sure To Bring Dinghy


Bill Effros




cjlowe wrote:

>Remember to have your centerboard up and the pendent secured, before backing the trailer in the water.Don't ask me how I've come to know this is a good thing.Just let me assure you, not heeding this advice will possibly have you :
>1-testing the foam flotation
>2- testing the capacity of the bilge pump,or at least, seeing the need for one
>3-Learning much more about how your boat is put together(and taken apart)
>4-And,of coarse,Brushing up on your fiberglass repair skills.
>
>OK,OK, the only reason I'm admitting this is because I don't want anybody else to have to go through this.
>
>In the middle of June I hauled the boat 100 Mi. for a long weekend,the day we had to pull out to go home,the winds were 25+ mph.So I  put the center board down to assist retrieval.When I went to put it back in the home port,I didn't have the pendent in the cleat. As the boat started coming off the trailer, the unrestrained CB caught on the bottom of the lake and was driven up by the weight of the boat coming off the trailer hard enough to crack the centerboard cap.Luckily that day we were tired,and didn't set up the rigging.Instead,we went under the bridge that we can't go under with the mast up,and checked out the rest of the lake for an hour and a half under motor.When we got back to the slip,I went to put in the hatch board and noticed something not so funny.2 inches of water covering the cabin sole. Well at least I didn't have to tear down the mast,and I just happened to have the trailer near by.Loaded her back up on the trailer and dripped all the way home. At home , I pumped over 50 gallons of water out of the bilge.
>Well, off to the lake for a short sail,then pack the boat up for a weeks vacation at Lake Erie.
>Happy 4th of July,
>Jerry
>__________________________________________________
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