Colin Davis
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5/5/2018 4:15 PM
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Only did this once, to launch. A bit hairy, but can be done. Look for videos online for good tips. You are going to want a long rope (and some wheel chocks), so you don’t have to worry about ramp pitch. Example: https://youtu.be/PVgFMsDsKo4I’ve not done it with my Ensign, but I drysailed and ramp launched a Merit 25 for a few years, with a foot more draft than the Ensign. In my opinion, the thing is to get the trailer deep enough and float the nose of the boat into position on the rubber thing at the front of the trailer. Tie it securely and tow it out, and it’ll drop into place. Don’t lower your pads. I had a wheel at the front of the trailer and had to use a rope to extend it out about 15 feet to get the trailer in deep enough. If you’re lucky you won’t need that. Another owner had roller pads and a winch on the trailer which worked well and didn’t require submerging the whole trailer.
Good luck! Bob Stolze, ensign 1321, fleet 23 Was wondering if there was any advice on how to efficiently do this. I've never done it, in fact don't want to but there are no cranes in Port Lavaca that are for hire. I'm fortunate there is a fresh water lake nearby to go rinse. I am more concerned about floating her on and getting the support pads right.
I don't need to lower the pads before floating the boat over them right? Just hope the ramp is steep enough so my car is not submerged too! 
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Bob Stolze, #1321
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5/5/2018 2:50 PM
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I’ve not done it with my Ensign, but I drysailed and ramp launched a Merit 25 for a few years, with a foot more draft than the Ensign. In my opinion, the thing is to get the trailer deep enough and float the nose of the boat into position on the rubber thing at the front of the trailer. Tie it securely and tow it out, and it’ll drop into place. Don’t lower your pads. I had a wheel at the front of the trailer and had to use a rope to extend it out about 15 feet to get the trailer in deep enough. If you’re lucky you won’t need that. Another owner had roller pads and a winch on the trailer which worked well and didn’t require submerging the whole trailer.
Good luck! Bob Stolze, ensign 1321, fleet 23 Was wondering if there was any advice on how to efficiently do this. I've never done it, in fact don't want to but there are no cranes in Port Lavaca that are for hire. I'm fortunate there is a fresh water lake nearby to go rinse. I am more concerned about floating her on and getting the support pads right.
I don't need to lower the pads before floating the boat over them right? Just hope the ramp is steep enough so my car is not submerged too!
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Calvin & Cinzia Holt
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5/5/2018 10:41 AM
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Was wondering if there was any advice on how to efficiently do this. I've never done it, in fact don't want to but there are no cranes in Port Lavaca that are for hire. I'm fortunate there is a fresh water lake nearby to go rinse. I am more concerned about floating her on and getting the support pads right.
I don't need to lower the pads before floating the boat over them right? Just hope the ramp is steep enough so my car is not submerged too!
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