River Launch Without Slipway

dominic_baker · 14 March 2012, 22:10

Hi,

I have a Honwave T35 with Honda BF20 and launching wheels.

I've noticed that there are not many slipways on the river nene near me.

Has anyone had any success launching without a slipway from the side of a river where there is a solid paved bank nearly level with the water (maybe 10 to 20cm above) ?

Regards,

Dominic

stepaway · 14 March 2012, 23:03

Yep, I do this all the time, although I have a 2.7 air decked Honwave. I have no launching wheels though, so i just lift mine out of the car and walk it to where I'm putting it in them pump it up, set it all up, attach the outboard whilst on the bank,then slide it in gently whilst holding on to the mooring rope tightly! I quite often launch solo, and have found this to be the easiest way. With wheels you may find it easier.

lightning · 15 March 2012, 14:46

We do the same with our Zodiac 2.8m boat.

We also launch this way on the canal, where the drop into the water can be 12 inches or more. To avoid any damage to the bottom of the boat I bought a plastic net sheet and I place this over the bank, and slide the boat in over the sheet, engine first.

When taking the boat out of the water we put the sheet over the bank, lift the front of the boat onto the bank, and then haul it out with the engine still attached.

We've never had any problems with this, and the boat hs never sustained any damage or even scratches to the keel.

Max... · 15 March 2012, 15:40

Yep, one of the beauties of a SIB - pick it up and drop it in any little stretch of water. Maybe a bit more of a handful with a 3.5m and 20 hp 4S!

bingosucks · 15 March 2012, 17:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max...

Yep, one of the beauties of a SIB - pick it up and drop it in any little stretch of water. Maybe a bit more of a handful with a 3.5m and 20 hp 4S!

i would second that ,even with rib wheels i ussually attach a 10hp on afterwards...whatever i seem to do i get wet feet

dominic_baker · 16 March 2012, 00:25

Thanks for everyone's replies so far.

I like the ideas I am hearing, my only concern is doing this with the weight of my aluminium floored T35 with the Honda BF20 (I know this is overpowered for UK rivers but wanted something for around the coastline as well).

I could attach the outboard afterwards, but it is pretty heavy and awkward even when standing up on dry land.

Dominic

bingosucks · 16 March 2012, 00:43

failing a shallow entry i guess your looking at a plop n drop! it`s always tense when fitting the engine.. i tie the boat off (wifey) dangle my legs in and drop her on (not wifey) ,though i use my 5hp for rivers(which encourages some sensible driving) it is much lighter...i`m looking at chaining her onto the boat first this year in case it goes a burton

Max... · 16 March 2012, 08:35

I was not suggesting that we (or anyone else) carry the boat *with* the engine on - this would be very difficult with a 15hp 2S Tohatsu but near impossible with the huge 20hp 4S. Boat in first, engine on after.

Fenlander · 16 March 2012, 12:28

Dominic is this on the Nene that runs through Peterborough? If so, and I guess all rivers are similar, the licence for a smallcraft over 4hp is pretty steep. About £70 for a 4hp but £250 for your motor!

I have a Honwave 3.5 and even with a 15hp 2-stroke it's uncomfortable to manage unless the transom wheels are used and we keep to hard slips.

The Honwave is quite heavy for its length being 70lbs more than many airdecks folks here are using, and your outboard is 30-45lbs heavier than the 9.8/15hp 2-strokes often used.

My inflatable use is mostly summer periods/holidays so I've only really used the river for a first run of the season to check the outboard is fine before we hit the coast, then a last run after the holiday period to give it a really good fresh water flush before laying up for the winter. Also use the river as practice when we change boats/engines.

This year I've baulked at the £250 river licence and may not renew from April.