I know the exact answer depends on ramp angle, height
of waterline above grade and tow vehicle height,
but I was wondering in general, just how big a boat can be
launched without dangerously submerging the tow vehicle.

What's your experience?

Tony V

Well here's the thing ... any size, since at some point, the boat will
(hopefully) float thereby leaving only the trailer weight to deal with. I
have launched where my jeep has been pulled down the ramp brakes locked
tires squeeling all the way. Fortunately, command-trac 4L gets the boat back
up the ramp at the end of the day. It's the retrieval that could be a
problem ... not the launch ... my opinion.

"Tony V" wrote in message
news:iPs3b.285421$o%2.132062@sccrnsc02...
I know the exact answer depends on ramp angle, height
of waterline above grade and tow vehicle height,
but I was wondering in general, just how big a boat can be
launched without dangerously submerging the tow vehicle.

What's your experience?

Tony V

Lemme clarify anysize ... anysize you can tow to the ramp :-)

"bowgus" wrote in message
le.rogers.com...
Well here's the thing ... any size, since at some point, the boat will
(hopefully) float thereby leaving only the trailer weight to deal with. I
have launched where my jeep has been pulled down the ramp brakes locked
tires squeeling all the way. Fortunately, command-trac 4L gets the boat
back
up the ramp at the end of the day. It's the retrieval that could be a
problem ... not the launch ... my opinion.

"Tony V" wrote in message
news:iPs3b.285421$o%2.132062@sccrnsc02...
I know the exact answer depends on ramp angle, height
of waterline above grade and tow vehicle height,
but I was wondering in general, just how big a boat can be
launched without dangerously submerging the tow vehicle.

What's your experience?

Tony V

"bowgus" wrote in message
le.rogers.com...
Well here's the thing ... any size, since at some point, the boat will
(hopefully) float thereby leaving only the trailer weight to deal with. I
have launched where my jeep has been pulled down the ramp brakes locked
tires squeeling all the way. Fortunately, command-trac 4L gets the boat
back
up the ramp at the end of the day. It's the retrieval that could be a
problem ... not the launch ... my opinion.


Sounds familiar!!
I tow with a '93 Chevy Caprice. On one ramp we use, we backing in, the boat
drags the car down to the water, brakes locked. First time it scared the
**** out of me, figured I was gonna get wet for sure! So as the boat hits
the water the car stops. To get out I have to back up until the water is
about 1/2 way up the car's rear tires, then give 'er hell. It is the only
why I can get enough momentum to get up the ramp. Float the boat and take
off! The Chevy has limited slip differential and both tires are smoking all
the way up!
Greg

"Greg O" wrote in message
Sounds familiar!!
I tow with a '93 Chevy Caprice. On one ramp we use, we backing in, the boat
drags the car down to the water, brakes locked. First time it scared the
**** out of me,

I'll bet it did!

figured I was gonna get wet for sure! So as the boat hits
the water the car stops. To get out I have to back up until the water is
about 1/2 way up the car's rear tires, then give 'er hell. It is the only
why I can get enough momentum to get up the ramp. Float the boat and take
off! The Chevy has limited slip differential and both tires are smoking all
the way up!
Greg

I'd like to see that!

"Greg O" wrote
I tow with a '93 Chevy Caprice.

I use a '94 Taurus wagon. (although not in the exciting way you describe)
Anyone else tow with a car?

I use a Pontiac TranSport mini-van. It has also been dragged a bit on a wet
ramp, though it always stops once the boat floats off the trailer. Were I
ever to forget the bow strap on and give the boat hell in reverse - I bet I
"could" pull the mini-van off shore. Can't think of any reason I'd want to
though

-W

"Joe Blizzard" wrote in message
...
"Greg O" wrote
I tow with a '93 Chevy Caprice.

I use a '94 Taurus wagon. (although not in the exciting way you describe)
Anyone else tow with a car?

"Clams Canino" wrote
I use a Pontiac TranSport mini-van. It has
also been dragged a bit on a wet ramp

I haven't experienced the thrill of having my my tow vehicle dragged toward
Davy Jones' locker yet. Even when I was using my little Nissan 720, the only
problem was in the uphill direction. I don't don't tow very often, though.
(I keep the boat in the water until mechanical trouble or weather forces me
to do otherwise.)

I have launched a 29' sail boat (3500#) via a ramp. I used a Ford Bronco
with 4W drive. The trailer had a tongue extender (part of the trailer) and
I used a 3' hitch extender. Had to get the trailer deep because with the
keel up the boat drew 3.5' or so.


"Tony V" wrote in message
news:iPs3b.285421$o%2.132062@sccrnsc02...
I know the exact answer depends on ramp angle, height
of waterline above grade and tow vehicle height,
but I was wondering in general, just how big a boat can be
launched without dangerously submerging the tow vehicle.

What's your experience?

Tony V

Rick & Linda Bernard wrote:
I have launched a 29' sail boat (3500#) via a ramp. I used a Ford Bronco
with 4W drive. The trailer had a tongue extender (part of the trailer) and
I used a 3' hitch extender. Had to get the trailer deep because with the
keel up the boat drew 3.5' or so.


"Tony V" wrote in message
news:iPs3b.285421$o%2.132062@sccrnsc02...
I know the exact answer depends on ramp angle, height
of waterline above grade and tow vehicle height,
but I was wondering in general, just how big a boat can be
launched without dangerously submerging the tow vehicle.

What's your experience?

Tony V








I regularly see 35' triple outboard type boats being launched from one
of three different ramps in my area, at Sandy Point, Breezy Point and at
Solomons, MD. These are not deep draft boats, though. I've seen 34-40'
deep keel lobster boats launched from ramps. Depends on the particulars.





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