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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Launching depth

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T O P I C R E V I E W
ctrout	Posted - 12/14/2021 : 12:19:41 This is my first post here. I am currently sailing a C22 and considering upgrading to the C25. I have a problem though. The ramp that I use is very short and shallow. My C22 won't float off the trailer until the wheels just begin to break over the edge of the concrete. We actually got the trailer stuck on our maiden launch this past season when the wheels got stuck behind the concrete when they dropped into the silt at the end of the ramp. My question is, what are the chances that I will be able to launch the C25 from this ramp. If I can't launch from this ramp, it's a deal breaker for me getting the C25.
6 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First)
Lee Panza	Posted - 12/17/2021 : 20:00:37 ctrout: If you have a roller trailer, rather than solid bunks, it might be possible to winch the Cat25 out of the water. This, however, will require a very sturdy winch and a lot of muscle (it'll be slow, too). I'm speaking from experience here. On your lake you don't have the option to wait a few hours for the tide to rise, as we do here. I had learned to watch the tide tables closely. This, unfortunately, I learned the hard way, resulting in my trailer being seriously broken (in the process I learned that the Cat25 hull is sturdier than I'd have expected). If, on the other hand, your trailer has fixed bunks, forget it! Sorry.
Stinkpotter	Posted - 12/17/2021 : 09:39:30 I've witnessed the problem at the end of the ramp--likely caused or exacerbated by powerboaters gunning their engines to push their boats up on their trailers. I've wondered whether a yard or so of coarse gravel should be dumped there--maybe annually... Of course that might require state and federal permitting. But Leon's experience and advice probably seal it. Wish we could be more encouraging!
Leon Sisson	Posted - 12/15/2021 : 15:35:31 ctrout, I currently have swing keel versions of both the Catalina 22 & 25.� (And a 12-valve Cummins diesel dually tow vehicle.)� Fortunately, I'm able to keep boats in the water unless they need work. I've only had my C22 lifted once, the first time it went onto its trailer because I wasn't sure how well it would fit.� All other times I've launched and retrieved it at a ramp. � In the 25 or so years I've had my C25, I've never even considered taking it to a ramp.� I always use a travel lift. � In addition to a C25 weighing at least twice as much as a C22, the larger boat would need nearly twice the depth (at the trailer axle) to float on or off.� I doubt a roller bunk trailer would help enough to make up the difference. Having been on a local government advisory board dealing with boat ramp maintenance and repair issues, I understand what you mean by "[trailer] wheels got stuck [beyond] the concrete when they dropped into the silt at the end of the ramp."� Boaters who power-load with big outboards cause maintenance headaches at nearly all ramps.� The damage I'm familiar with isn't just silt, it's a deep pit at the bottom of the concrete ramp. Sadly, based on your description of your boat ramp situation, I don't think there's any hope of ramp launching and retrieving a Catalina 25 there.� A tongue extension would only complicate getting the trailer back up onto the ramp.
Stinkpotter	Posted - 12/14/2021 : 21:51:35 Hate to warn you off, but I think Steve hit the nail--the C-25 is a considerably heftier load to yank up over the end of that concrete ramp. Maybe larger trailer wheels and tires can help, but maybe not. Also, I presume you'll need some more depth than the minimum for the C-22, depending on the C-25 keel. There are ways--tongue extensions, straps, etc., but they require depth out there somewhere. What's yours?
ctrout	Posted - 12/14/2021 : 13:28:13 The tow vehicle is not the weak link. I drive a 5.9 Cummins 3500 4x4. As you mention, I only tow to and from the lake in spring and fall, but the lake has no slips so I have to launch and recover each time. The Marina lets me leave the boat rigged on the trailer while in storage. If I had to rig and derig the boat every outing, I would probably only take it out 2 or 3 times a year rather than 2-3 times a week as I do now. In that case, I might have to reconsider whether it would be worth the expense and hassle of keeping the boat. There is one other ramp on this tiny lake, but there is no storage at that location.
Steve Milby	Posted - 12/14/2021 : 12:42:34 Unlikely. Also, a C25 weighs nearly twice the C22, which requires a beefier tow vehicle. Most people only trailer to the lake in the spring and fall, and leave it in all summer, because of the difficulty in launching and mast raising. The C25 is a really good boat, and it can be trailered, but not nearly as easily as a C22. To launch, you need a good ramp or a hoist.

Association Forum

Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.