Wavelength - Fleetwood - Last Weekend

[GraemeCooper]

Here are some pictures taken at Wavlength Training last weekend


Launching the Humber RIB is a bit tricky .........

(Simon from Wavelength is not doing his Bruce Forsyth Impression, but is actually giving directions to Dave the driver !)

[GraemeCooper]

The trick is to get as close to the edge as possible if not using the actual launch ramp........

(a gentle nudge about another foot and slightly right might have been better (sorry Simon))

[GraemeCooper]

Then the Roller Trailer really comes into its own .......


(This procedure can also be successfully used in reverse for recovery)

[GraemeCooper]

Dave & Simon check the boat after launch

[GraemeCooper]

Simon out for a Pose - no - sorry - coming alongside to collect the others

[Keith Hart]

Hi Graeme, well that's certainly put me off trailer launching!

Keith (packs flat) Hart

[GraemeCooper]

Dave (Wavelength) and daughter Nicky

[GraemeCooper]

Time for a Coffee Break .....

[GraemeCooper]

Enjoying the break from the course ....

[GraemeCooper]

Before Man (woman?) overboard drills ...........

(She doesnt look in distress - more like posing to me)

[GraemeCooper]

To Save or Not to Save, That is the Question .................

[Keith Hart]

Great pics, now what about the write-up Graeme?

Keith Hart

[Ribald]

Graeme/Sian,

As Keith said, nice piccys but what was the outcome? Are you still talking to each other.

I like the way they launch - do they just push the RIB back until gravity takes over?

I must try and figure out how my break-back trailer works (when no-one is looking ) Perhaps at 04:00 in June

[wavelength]

Then we retrieve it by powering back up onto the trailer - Keeps them wheel bearings nice and dry!!!!!!!!
Dave (toss it over the side)Mallett.
Apologies to Keith (this bit in brackets is his idea)Hart
Simon(do you like my oakleys -I sell em you know) has just gone home so we can take the .... out of him now

[GraemeCooper]

You guys are never satsfied are you - whatever happened to a picture being worth a thousand words!

In a nutshell we had a great weekend at Wavelength Training a Knott End - opposite Fleetwood. We wre greatly entertained by the Lifeboat Crew on a couple of occasions, battered by high winds on Saturday - though luckily with limited tide issues to worry about - and proved that Avon Searders are probably the wettest boats onthe planet. Sunday was less wind and an almost perfect sea, and we agin had a great time.

Sian had a great time - and learned a lot - and is now planning to skipper Topaz on our next trip out (May Bank Holiday) - and probably all future trips. Obviously we have a lot to discuss!!!

She has sent off for her ICC from the RYA, and also ordered a presentaion copy of the Powerboat 2 Certificate - which will no doubt adorn her office wall!


As for the recoery, I attach a picture of Topaz being recovered at the boatyard where she was built. They dont bother with the slipway, preferring this method- which they claim was why Roller Trailers were invented. It seems to work for them!

Anyone ave ay questions - feel free to ask

Graeme & Sian

[Alan]

You need to be very confident about the strength, load rating and condition of your winch strap to do this!

[GraemeCooper]

Alan - are you referring to recovering like this - or the chap with his head under the boat?


(Anyway this was a brand new winch, strap and brand new trailer )

Graeme

[Alan]

Graeme,

I was referring to recovering the boat like this .... hadn't noticed the chap with his head under the boat!! I know in your case that it is a brand new set up and should be OK. To me though this method puts a hell of a lot of strain on the winch strap and more point stress on the hull (where it is on the swinging roller beam). However lots of people do it so I'm probably worrying about nothing. Still, saves the trailer wheel bearings which is a good thing!

I would say that I'dve thought your boat was about the max size that it was practicable to do this with though. On a related note I was extremely impressed with Jahnno winching his boat onto the trailer (or trailer under the boat) basically from a position of being aground on the beach at Johnson Drawdock on the Thames cruise - there are some real advantages to having a smaller boat!

Cheers,
Alan

[GraemeCooper]

Alan

I must admit I havent tried this way yet - I prefer to do it the traditional way - even if that means gettting the wheel bearings wet - I always try to make sure they get a good fresh water wash out asap after use.

Jut in case though I have chosen a winch strap that is rated well above the weight of Topaz - but as you say it des put a lotof strain on it.

Must admit though that Dave makes it look quite easy.

The Thames recovery was a little exciting. Having recovered Jono's Tsunami Rider from being grounded (as you say - an advantage of a slightly smaller RIB) we opted to recover Topaz from a slanted position to take account of wind and tide - but some others there thought it was just Jono's poor reversing and offered to straighten the trailer for him!

I guess it's what makes Ribbing such fun!


Graeme

[Jono Garton]

Hi Guys

I have recovered a Bay Liner like I recovered Tsunami Rider @ Thames. Providing you use three stress points on the boat - it safe.

Three stress points 1 - the eye on the front of your boat, 2 - rollers on the hull, 3 - the transom on the floor (+somthing between the transom and the floor, like carpet is nice).

Some people just wich the boat on the trailer, when I recovered Tsunami - the hand break was off on the car and i winched the trailer under the boat.

I would do this with any RIB and roller coaster trailer, saves taking chunks out of your hull!!