[Rhodes22-list] Boat Hoist vs Bad Ramps

[The Rhodes 22 Email List]

All,

Is there a lift point for a boat hoist on the Rhodes?  I've got a
predicament.  I currently enjoy using my boat at the local marina, and
keeping it on the trailer for lower maintenance
(hull/anti-fouling/cleaning).  My problem is that the ramp could be quite a
bit better.  At low tide, there is only 17' of ramp in the water, and ramp
has a severe drop off.

Due to not wanting to upgrade my towing vehicle (a 1976 Jeep CJ-7 3-speed
w/ V8 304) and two incidents on the ramp (details below), i'm investigating
alternative methods of launching.  The easiest would appear to be using a
boat hoist.  So this brings me to my question... is there a lift point on
the Rhodes for a boat hoist?

Ego busting details:

Incident #1, first attempt at launching.  Boat launched successfully, but
upon attempting to pull forward, the Jeep (Stick Shift) rolled back on the
steep ramp, and the trailer's wheels dropped off the ramp.  After an hour,
the marina's crane, a broken trailer hitch (it was welded to the bumper),
everything was retrieved intact except my ego, and my hitch.

To address the issues leading up to incident #1, I had a proper Class III
hitch bolted to the frame, and I rigged a chock system on cables so I could
chock the wheels, and drag them.

Incident #2, 8th launch this summer, low tide.  Boat launched successfully,
boat later reloaded with some negative tongue weight (low tide).  As I was
pulling out, I realized i completely bungled the load, so I stopped on the
ramp, and rechocked the wheels.  I adjusted the bow stop winch tension, and
got back in.  As i tried pulling forward though, the carb sputtered and the
engine stalled.  I started rolling backwards over the chocks.  I ended up
sitting parked on the ramp with the front tires "balanced" on the chocks,
holding the brakes while I waited for another truck that could hook up and
pull me out.

In summary, this summer, I've destroyed the rubber bow stop, I've broken
1/3rd of the 2x6's on the RC trailer, no harm to the boat though.

With all of this somehow my Rhodes is still seaworthy, and my 20 month old
loved his morning ride.

--
Curtis
1979, s/v "Ruck It"