Calling 5.4 SR owners

[JSP]

I've been out on my 4m SR as much as I can now and really enjoy it. But I would like something bigger. So I'm after 5.4m searider.

The only thing concerning me is launching and recovering alone.
So could I ask all you 5.4 owners (if you have L&R'd alone) how hard is it? I find it very easy to do the 4m doing it like in this LINK on the same slip except I don't drive it onto the trailer I winch it on.

Thanks

[learning to fly]

Ive had no problem with mine alone but do not launch in much ocean and when I do its sheltered water

[ollyit]

I winch mine on too, dont worry too much as long as the trailers set up right for the boat, you sound well experienced enough with you're 4m as I was, all the little habits you've picked up and techniques for making life easier, the same pretty much applies to the bigger 5.4 too, you'll be pleasantly suprised in your abilities I looking back when i had my 4metre used think about 5.4's and what a mission it would be - I was nicely suprised

[ollyit]

looking a the link you posted, I shove my trailer way deeper in the sea - I use a rope off the towbar to save dunking the car wheels (not good) also you float the boat over the first bunks/rollers

[kwil]

Can't answer about SR5.4 but I do manage my 6.1 on the same slip at Knott End when the tide is too high or low to dunk the trailer. Mind you I do not have a pacemaker, but look like I need one afterwards. Especially when I am daft enough, or maybe that should be too slow, and winch Wavelengths as well. I am sure he will be along shortly to tell you he is only thinking of me and how the exercise is essential for us office types.

Keith

[K&S]

I'ts easy enough in all but a strong cross wind/ tide.

[Rogue Wave]

unless you're picking the thing up on your shoulder the extra size doesn't factor much.

The techniwues are the same and remeber that ime spent in preparation is seldom wasted!.

how do you presently launch and recover you 4 m

[JSP]

Originally Posted by ollyit

looking a the link you posted, I shove my trailer way deeper in the sea - I use a rope off the towbar to save dunking the car wheels (not good) also you float the boat over the first bunks/rollers

The slip at Knott end isn't really suited to dunking the trailer. I'm glad I read Dave's website before I first went there. Good to know you find the 5.4 easy to winch on. I've got to watch just how much pressure I put on myself (hence the electric winch post in the trailer section).
Cheers mate

[JSP]

Originally Posted by kwil

Can't answer about SR5.4 but I do manage my 6.1 on the same slip at Knott End when the tide is too high or low to dunk the trailer. Mind you I do not have a pacemaker, but look like I need one afterwards. Especially when I am daft enough, or maybe that should be too slow, and winch Wavelengths as well. I am sure he will be along shortly to tell you he is only thinking of me and how the exercise is essential for us office types.

Keith

Ah just the man I needed to hear from then! I've been letting the tide raise a little more than on that link. Launching not far off where the ferry stops. (gits came half hour early just to collect the £8 )
My 4m comes out a dream and as Rouge wave says, it shouldn't reallt matter. But you know when the boat is at the highest angle as you winch on? This point seems to be where the strain comes in on the winch as you counter the weight of the donkey on the back. It's this part that I'm thinking of.
I'm very new to boat trailers so forgive if this is a stupid question: Can you get higher geared ratchet winches?

[doggypaddle]

It all depends on the slipway and trailer. for example
Cardiff bay, easy on your own even with a dicky ticker,
Bater is a pain in the chuff even with 3 people,
watermouth cove, will never use again 4 of us struggled.
roller trailers are lost easier than bunks, if i get my bow vaguely on the swing beam i just winch it right on.

chose your slip carefully, i prefer very steep, sheltered, with a pontoon, and fresh water so you dont need to flush.
cardiff bay!!!

[kwil]

I'm very new to boat trailers so forgive if this is a stupid question: Can you get higher geared ratchet winches?

Yes, but I think you mean lower geared, I am guessing you have a smallish single speed winch at the moment. You really need a big 2 speed one with brake for Knott End when you are going over the side.

Keith

[JSP]

In my noggin it's higher geared but then again you do need a passport to get onto my planet!

I'll have a look about for a new winch me thinks before I even attempt the electric idea, thanks

[Rogue Wave]

what trailer are you going to use if you have it can you post a photo?

[JSP]

The one I have now? It's a single axle Degraff. 2 years old.
Here's the best photo I have where you can see the winch.

[ollyit]

I went from a 4m to 5.4 using a very similar trailer to yours in terms of size and age, I had to fully adjust the front winch post as far as it could go to get the bugger on and adjust all the bunks (mines bunked not rollers) so in essence your will go on easier - it went on but overhangs a bit still over the back bunks- make sure all the nuts and bits that might need moving/adjusting arnt seized and have a good spanner/wrench oh and a can of wd40 the night before - not to put you off by any means - just being prepared as rougewave says is the way forward

best of luck mate (pic attached)

[Andy JC]

Originally Posted by ollyit

just being prepared as rougewave says is the way forward

Rogue Wave's French, reddish cousin

[ollyit]

ahhh sh*te!! typings gone to pot!

[Rogue Wave]

been called a lot worse than that here!

You present trailer is toting a load of 250kg tops, your new rig is going to be a good 250kg more 200 for the hull and 50 for the engine (e &eo) so I'd be looking for a much beter winch and strap. Also if you are going to use the edge of slipway technique then your strap is going to have more strain put on it, I think the loading at 60 degrees is a factor of 1.5. I'd want a strap that handles at least a ton therefore I'd go for a winch with a 1.5 ton capacity (if it fits your trailer) as this will be easier to winch in lower gear.

I have used electric winch's providing you can get the power to them they are fine. I'd put a dedicated battery on the trailer and charge it from a second socket on the tow bar. Be careful of the remote contacts corroding, pay special maintenance attention to these and take the pot of Vaseline and apply it liberally to the contacts.

Id also consider fitting a couple of launching rollers to the back of the trailer I'll see if I can find a picture of what I mean.

[JSP]

Been looking at winches but having trouble finding one with a strap instead of wire at that rating.
Those pictures would be great if you can find them mate.

[Pete7]

Bit of bling for an Avon 5.4m perhaps ?

http://www.jimmygreen.co.uk/chandler...law_anchor.htm