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Ramp Launching a C250WK with a Road King Trailer

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RPLieser
1st Mate

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USA
70 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/04/2023 : 11:37:05

I'm very used to ramp launching my previous C250WB, and I'm nearing my initial splash of my 2008 C250WK mkII.

If you note my previous post, I'm planning on being ready for both ramp and strap lifting this boat.

I sail in the Pacific, and my goal with the WB was to stop the truck with tires just shy of touching the water - worked great on its Trail-Rite trailer and extendable tongue - just like my old C22.

While I've got the same goal with my WK to preserve my truck, it will obviously be a bit more challenging.

The Road King has an extendable tongue, and I've been able to come up with a mechanism to extend it another 2 feet.

Q: ANY FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE WITH RAMP LAUNCHING THE WK WITH THE ROAD KINK TRAILER WILL BE APPRECIATED.

Patrick Lieser

C250WK #973
Knot My Fault III
Avila Beach, CA

(PO of C250WB #312)

mjkenny
Deckhand

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USA
3 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2023 : 21:05:08

Hello Patrick,
You and I are in the same boat :)
My only experience is ramp-launching a 250WK twice. And both times were not pretty. However, is was entertaining for the collective audience gathered around . I bought my 250WK in July 2022. Both launches were in 5.5ft of water. My first launch required me to bury my 4x4 truck in the water up to the rear bumper using the extended trailer tongue in order to get the trailer deep enough for the boat to float off. I was not going to do that again!! So, after watching a few YouTube videos I reworked the trailer tongue to use an inflatable 12� wheel and a 30ft strap. The strap worked well once I got my mind past the idea of letting a boat trailer free-wheel down a ramp. The trailer went deep enough in the water and yet kept my truck dry. However the 12� wheel did not support the weight of boat and trailer well. So I reworked the trailer tongue again using a Baja-style pivoting hub. This arrangement uses the trailer�s spare tire with a wheel hub mounted to the tongue. It did great supporting the trailer weight. I tested its ability by pulled the trailer down my driveway using the strap (my neighbors were impressed :). PacificTrailer of Corona California sells a kit for the pivoting hub although it�s a bit pricey (about $400). You can make your own mount if you are a capable welder. The kit comes fully galvanized except for the wheel hub.

The only other issue I struggle with is how deep the trailer needs to be in order to float the boat. I Measured a distance of 18� between the top of the keel wing and the bottom of the keel guides. If the trailer is any deeper it would seem (to me) the keel wings would push up against the bottom of the keel guides and attempt to raise the trailer making the launch awkward. The issue becomes more of a concern when retrieving the boat and making sure the keel wings hit within the 18� slot as I approach the trailer from the water. I am considering marking the upper and lower depth range on the vertical boat guides mounted at the rear of the trailer as a visual indication for water depth. I just don�t have enough experience or maybe I�m over thinking the whole keel thing.

There are very knowledgeable sailors on the this site and they will have a better handle of technique. I look forward to hearing from them. I now have a greater appreciation for the many shallow boat ramps of Florida and the launching of a shoal draft boat.

Hope to see you on the water,
Mike Kenny.

Edited by - mjkenny on 02/04/2023 21:50:42

DavidCrosby
Navigator

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USA
229 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2023 : 05:37:09

I have a lot of experience ramp launching my C250 wk. Here is a video I posted showing a launch. The truck in this case happens to be my friend's F-350. I have a F-150. We do get the back wheels wet, but typically not past the rubber.

The tongue extension has been lengthened an additional three feet over the factory original length.

From 2010 - 2020 I operated out of a club that the boat stayed on the trailer fully rigged. I had to launch and retrieve every weekend. That equates to 200 or more launch / retrievals.

I also have traveled a lot with this boat. We are based out of Carlyle Lake, IL.
I have taken the boat to Kentucky Lake multiple times.
The following places on Lake Michigan: Northport, MI. Elk Rapids, MI. Fish Creek, WI.
In 2019 we launched in Midland, Ontario and retrieved in Little Current, Ontario after exploring Georgian Bay and the North Channel.

I have done two trips on the rivers:
(Alton, IL to Kentucky Lake on the Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee Rivers)
(Grand Rivers, KY to Iuka, MS on the Tennessee River).
2022 we took the boat to the Apostle Islands on Lake Superior.
2023 we are headed to Charlevoix, MI.
All of this has been done via ramp launch and retrieval.

Good luck, it really is very straight forward once setup properly.

https://youtube.com/shorts/kCNgBC0P11Q

David Crosby "Small World"
'02 C250 WK #614

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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3992 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2023 : 08:11:46

Gee Dave, How long did you have to wait for that perfectly beautiful sunrise to shoot that stunning video? Well done!

Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688
Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound

DavidCrosby
Navigator

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USA
229 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2023 : 20:26:05

quote:
Originally posted by islander

Gee Dave, How long did you have to wait for that perfectly beautiful sunrise to shoot that stunning video? Well done!

That was actually a sunset with a thunderstorm approaching. Totally unplanned. I just wanted to capture a video of my boat being launched for the purpose of responding to a post on this forum back in August 2020.

Here is a link to another video during the same launch: https://youtube.com/shorts/Fsa3Qi5sU2o

David Crosby "Small World"
'02 C250 WK #614

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5851 Posts

Response Posted - 02/06/2023 : 07:36:17

Thanks for posting that video David! I've been trying to figure out how to fabricate and mount a tongue extension for my J24 trailer. It looks like the way yours is mounted will work on my trailer.

Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind"
previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22
Past Commodore

csmcg
1st Mate

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96 Posts

Response Posted - 02/06/2023 : 09:58:11

David and Mike,

Thanks so much for all the information on a variety of topics. The launch video is very helpful (and beautiful).

We have a C250WK 'Danu' #487 that we launch once in the spring and then retrieve in the fall on Flathead Lake MT since 2012.

We have been doing a strap launch and haven't had any major issues but it is a lot of moving parts and procedural steps where there is the opportunity for problems/mistakes. We are looking into modifying our Trail-Rite trailer to accept an extension in the hopes that doing so would simplify launching and retrieval.

In an attempt to answer one question, we have found that once the front pads are under water by a couple of inches, the trailer is at the correct depth for our boat for both launch and retrieval. I understand that differing ramp angles would change the geometry.

We are looking towards doing more travelling with the boat in the shoulder seasons and have a few questions to add to those that Patrick posed...

I am unable to find a tongue extension on the Pacific Trailers site and our Trail-Rite trailer wasn't equipped with one. We are looking in to options with a local welder.

What is the over all length of your extension?

Have you ever run into ramps where the 'break over' was too much for the extended trailer?

Do you find the surge-brake setup adequate or do you think a conversion to electric brakes would improve your towing experience?

Have you ever had to adjust the bow/mast-raising support structure to better fit how the boat sits on the trailer?

How do you support the mast center section when towing?

I have searched the site and archives for other words of wisdom and experiences regarding towing, but if you have any other advice for towing 250's in general, it would be much appreciated.

Regards, Chris

DavidCrosby
Navigator

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USA
229 Posts

Response Posted - 02/06/2023 : 16:47:18

Chris,

My extension was originally nine feet long. My brother welded an additional three feet on to it. So, it is now 12 feet and seems to be just right at most ramps. I have seen extensions attached a wide variety of ways. One fairly easy method requiring no welding is put a trailer hitch ball on the top side of a 12' 3x3 square iron tube a couple feet from one end. The hitch ball is hitched into the trailer's coupler and then an U-bolt is placed near the end of the extension overlapping the trailer frame. On the far end, you add an easy to find coupler and be sure to include a set of chains bolted to the extension.

Regarding "break over" No, I have not yet had any problems. As you can see in the video, there is some flex in my extension. It only hits the ramp when bouncing and is a slight drag. As mentioned above, you definitely want safety chains included as part of the extension. If there is a break over, then there is potential for the stress to pop the ball the coupler off the ball. Safety chains will save the day.

Here goes - with a whole new trailer topic: A close friend is upgrading from a Hunter 260 to a Catalina 320. He just bought the boat and a trailer is being built. It is very much being modeled off of my 250's trailer, just much larger. He has every intention of traveling with that boat and I am the one convincing him that this can be done, including raising and lowering the mast just like we do on our smaller boats. Again, just much larger. (I have experience, years ago I owned a Morgan 30 and I built a contraption to lower a keel stepped mast). Back to this topic: I am very much concerned about break over on that extension. The guy building the trailer and I have been working on a solution. I had an idea which lead him to a better idea. I will share once he comes forth with those details.

Regarding "surge-brake setup" - I am pleased with my surge brakes and feel no need to convert to electric. However, When I bought the boat in 2010, the brakes and surge mechanism were shot. I had an 800 mile drive ahead of me through mountains. I was not about to make the trip without functioning brakes. I purchased the boat and then stopped at the first RV place I found and asked them to replace the brake system. They needed time to get all of the parts, so I left the boat with them and came back the next weekend to continue the trip. I replaced the entire system again in 2019 before the trip to Canada. I went for replacing versus just fixing because I wanted to upgrade to the style that would automatically disengage the surge brakes when backing up.

Regarding "bow/mast-raising support structure:" I have not moved this. However, do find that I can never get the boat fully up against the stops because of ramp angle, etc. No problem. When I am ready to travel, I just accelerate and then hit the brakes hard. The boat slides up against the stop. I then tighten all of the straps and hit the road. No problems.

"How do you support the mast center section when towing?"
I made a crutch out of a 2x4, wood glue and screws. I place it in the step and use the mast bolt to secure it and tie around the mast. It is not a work of art.

My recommendations are:
Make sure your vehicle is up to it. My Catalina 250wk towing experience started with a 1985 Ford Econoline van (small V-8). The suspension was shot. The gas tank was small (could only go about 100 miles between gas stops). When I purchased the boat, I pulled the boat 60 miles with that van. If I went above 45mph, I had a tiger by the tail. So, that van got me to the RV place mentioned above. I then drove home without the boat (two reasons being brakes needing to be replaced and the van not being up to the trip. A solid suspension is important). A borrowed F-250 got the boat home. I used the van for several years while based out of the dry sail club that required I launch and retrieve each weekend. The van was fine for that and moving the boat to winter storage and back (about 20 miles of side roads). My next tow vehicle was a 1994 Ford E-450 Ambulance with a 7.3L diesel. That was an amazing tow vehicle and always drew lots of attention at boat ramps and crossing in/out of Canada. It was a honey of a deal that fell into my lap and I used it for all but this latest trip. I have probably towed the boat approximately 7,000 miles with the ambulance. The only reason for getting rid of it, is that it was extremely loud in the cab and my wife had enough of the noise. I recently replaced the ambulance with a 2016 Ford F-150 Super Crew Cab, long bed, 5.0 V-8, 35 gallon fuel tank option. So far, I have two trips under my belt with this truck towing the C250wk. 720 miles round trip and 1,400 miles round trip. When I start with a new vehicle, I usually do a shorter trip first.

Before you hit the road, make sure your trailer is gone over thoroughly. Replace the tires and valve stems if you have no idea how old they are. Don't just look at the tread. Old tires are a problem waiting to happen in the most inconvenient of places.

Good luck.

David Crosby "Small World"
'02 C250 WK #614

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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5851 Posts

Response Posted - 02/06/2023 : 17:24:31

I towed my heavier C25 on a trailer with surge brakes. Properly functioning surge brakes are sufficient. By their design, the harder you try to stop, the harder the surge brakes are applied. I had electric brakes on a travel trailer and they are nice in some respects. You have a controller mounted on your dashboard that enables you to adjust how hard the brakes apply. My only real reservation about electric brakes is that, if the electrical connection fails, your brakes fail. The connection can fail because of a broken wire or a corroded pin in the connector, or a variety of reasons. Surge brakes are a little more foolproof.

The most important thing about trailering a heavy boat is to never forget that you have a heavy load behind you, and, if you need to stop quickly, there's a lot of inertia behind you that doesn't want to stop. That especially applies to dry pavement and to intersections with loose sand or gravel, but it applies to the fourth power on wet pavement. I once had a traffic light turn red at the bottom of a hill in the rain. I locked up all my truck and trailer brakes and slid through the red light, blowing my horn non-stop. Keep speed down, look ahead and anticipate, and never let your guard down.

Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind"
previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22
Past Commodore

DavidCrosby
Navigator

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USA
229 Posts

Response Posted - 02/06/2023 : 19:38:38

quote:
Originally posted by Steve Milby

I once had a traffic light turn red at the bottom of a hill in the rain. I locked up all my truck and trailer brakes and slid through the red light

Me too!

David Crosby "Small World"
'02 C250 WK #614

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1297 Posts

Response Posted - 02/07/2023 : 12:51:39

These vehicles are definitely not up to the task to pull or stop a C250WB or even less a C250WK. To cool the engine, the heater needed to be turned on full blast going up a hill. Going "down hill", and stops were fortunately anticipated well in advance.

Henk & Johanna
"Floating", a few off your "barnacles".
"Someday Lady" '95 C250WB #151 ('03 - 2016)
"Sea ya" 30ft Bayliner (04-2018 - 09-2018)
"Mariah" '96 C250WB #191 (05-2019 - 15-05-2023)
"Lady J" '00 C250WK #499 (05-2021 - 09-2022)

Robb
1st Mate

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Canada
31 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2023 : 20:23:46

I've had a number of "not pretty" experiences at the boat ramp with my 250 WK, always due to insufficient water depth to easily float it off the factory trail rite trailer with the tongue extender. Water is always past the back bumper and last season up to bottom of the rear doors on my Chev Silverado 4x4. At that point I tagged out and had it craned out last fall with the other boats at the club ($250.00). I'll have it craned in this spring but the cost should be substantially lower as less crane time will be required. Regarding towing, the Chev truck has the 5.3 liter V8 its barely noticeable when I'm pulling the boat and trailer. Towed it 1000 miles last summer without the slightest issue. Fuel economy suffers a bit obviously but its not bad. I had thought about adding to the tongue extender but wasn't sure if it would fit in its storage location under the existing trainer tongue.

Robb
2004 C250 WK hull# 739

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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5851 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2023 : 21:21:31

Even a well designed trailer and tongue extension and good tow vehicle can't help if the launch ramp is too shallow. There's no guarantee that a longer extension will get the boat in water deep enough to float the boat off the trailer. Is there another ramp in the area that might be deeper?

Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind"
previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22
Past Commodore

DavidCrosby
Navigator

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USA
229 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2023 : 21:42:32

quote:
Originally posted by Robb

I had thought about adding to the tongue extender but wasn't sure if it would fit in its storage location under the existing trainer tongue.

Extending my extension three feet has made a big difference on whether my truck would need to go in the water or not. The extension has made it so that it can no longer be carried in the storage location. I now carry it up on the trailer frame when traveling.

Ramp length and depth are a concern. I research the ramps at my destinations and so far all has worked out.

David Crosby "Small World"
'02 C250 WK #614

mjkenny
Deckhand

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USA
3 Posts

Response Posted - 02/09/2023 : 22:03:58

Good insight from everyone. thank you for sharing! Gives me some food for thought.
And thank you Henk for making me smile,

David, is there a particular web site you use in researching boat ramps? I�ve tried one, but it seemed limited on ramp information such as depth.

Mike Kenny,
No boat name yet
Can�t recall the hull number either
And as for the year built it's� er� ah� oh yeah - 1999

csmcg
1st Mate

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96 Posts

Response Posted - 02/10/2023 : 11:17:27

Thank you Steve and everyone for sharing your experience when travelling with a 250.

Henk, you have had both types of boats and travelled with both. I see that you sold the WK and kept the WB. Did this decision have anything to do with ease of travel/launch/retrieval per your experiences?

We have a 2005 3/4 diesel chevy that tows the boat relatively well but could be improved with some of the suggestions offered in this thread.

In 2015, we towed from western Montana to Lake Havasu for the trailer-sailor convention in February and the travel portion went OK, but I can't say that the towing experience was relaxing. The convention however, was a blast.

My wife has decided that another way to make towing more comfortable is with a new truck :)

Here is the setup while getting the boat ready for a trip to our local ramp.

We have found that the boat pitch-bucks a bit if the bow is not tight against the trailer bow-support structure and will try the brake-check method to shift the boat forward. Additionally, a ratchet strap lead from the bow-eye down to the trailer frame helps dampen the pitch-buck.

We will be adding racks and attachment points for bikes, kayaks and other toys to the trailer soon.

Based upon feedback, it looks like a surge-brake replacement is in the trailer's near future as well.

We had the opportunity to purchase a really nice WB 250 but passed on it last fall. Strictly from a travel suitability standpoint, I'm still kicking myself as it would have increased our travel destination flexibility regarding boat-ramp minimum requirements. The flip-side is that there is storage room for toys on the WK trailer under the boat.

Thanks again for all the wonderful information.

Regards, Chris

DavidCrosby
Navigator

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USA
229 Posts

Response Posted - 02/10/2023 : 14:27:02

quote:
Originally posted by mjkenny

David, is there a particular web site you use in researching boat ramps? I�ve tried one, but it seemed limited on ramp information such as depth.

No. Most of what I do is satellite view within maps. This shows me power lines, parking area, etc. If the water is clear, you can get an idea of ramp length. When I find something that looks suitable, I start making phone calls and sending e-mails.

David Crosby "Small World"
'02 C250 WK #614

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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5851 Posts

Response Posted - 02/10/2023 : 14:36:58

The best way I know to research launch ramps is to go online to this forum, or trailersailor.com, or sailnet.com, etc. and tell them where you're going, and ask for local knowledge of suitable launch ramps in the area.

Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind"
previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22
Past Commodore

bjoye
Navigator

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USA
105 Posts

Response Posted - 02/12/2023 : 09:55:08

I'm still recovering from being traumatized last fall attempting to retrieve my Catalina 25 WK on my road king trailer with keel guides. Previously, my only experience had been on a private ramp, on a gentle tidal creek with lots of help. This was the first time by myself at a very exposed public ramp. It as a total disaster.

I tried so hard not to be 'That Guy' at the public ramp you see in YouTube videos. Yet with all my planning, it still turned out to be FUBAR.

The previous owner had several postings in these forums about trying to retrieve the boat with a WK and keel guides, so I really planned ahead:
Plan A was use the trailer extension. Plan B with to a strap setup for strap launching/retrieving.

Plan A include new trailer guides on the stern of the trailer to help hold the stern in place, and marking the water level on the guides for that tiny 18" window you have try to hit to slide the keel into the guild window as outlined above.

Plan B setup include the 'Pacific Trailer Spare Tire' setup mentioned above. 30 ft tow strap, galvanized chain wrapped around the front of the trailer, galvanized shackles, and most important: extra tire chocks!

Also 100' floating line on bow, 100' floating line on stern, extra change of clothing, expecting to get wet, ladder to crawl up and down from the boat while on the ramp.

Conditions: 15 knot wind, directly on the beam, which came out of nowhere. (forecast was 5 knots) and 2 ft swell, about 20 seconds apart. Thankfully, it was early in the morning and not much traffic at the ramp.

First attempt: trailer extension. The Road King trailer extension slides out and provides an additional 3 ft. Absolutely useless. Turns out this ramp was very shallow (and long with 10' tides) and as a result, the truck tires were up the axel and the bunks were mostly out the water. Time for plan B.

Second attempt: rigged the trailer for strap launch. First time trying the new setup. Chocked the trailer partially down the ramp, set the spare tire into position, unhooked the tongue, shackled the strap, took up the tension, remove the chocks, and slowly eased the trailer into the water: perfect!

Pull the boat up to the trailer with bow and stern lines and crap! The swell is over 2 ft' and I'm trying hit a window of 18 inches. Every time I think it's all lined up, another swell comes thru, and the wing portion of the keel is out of the box. And with a constant 15 knot wind on the beam, I can't control the stern worth crap, even with the trailer guides.

3 attempts of trying to get the boat lined up, and I ended up doing minor damage to both the trailer and the front of the keel. And I looked like a total idiot. Thank god I'm not on YouTube.

Plan C: call in the professionals. Very fortunately for me, there was a marina with crane 1/4 mile down the road. A quick drive later and I arranged for the marine to lift the boat with the crane onto the trailer. I had to remove the keel guides. All went very smoothly and well worth the $250 lift charge.

So my $.02 of wisdom: Lessons learned:
1. trailer extensions is useless unless you have a very steep ramp or you modify it yourself.
2. One person can not man handle a 6000 lbs of boat in high winds and swell.
3. The 'Pacific Trailer Spare Wheel' setup is awesome! Well worth the money.
4. Strap launching is the way to go. Remove the keel guides. It is just impossible to hit that tiny window.
5. You have to plan to float the boat on and off the trailer.

As for next season, I plan on the same marina to lift me on and off the trailer. I'm clearly out of my league.

P.S. Here a link to the Pacific Trailer Spare tire Extension: $316
https://pacifictrailers.com/products/5-lug-pivoting-hub-mounted-spare-tire-carrier-mount-baja-style

"Frayed Knot" 1989 C-25 WK/SR #5878

Edited by - bjoye on 02/12/2023 10:08:24

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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1297 Posts

Response Posted - 02/13/2023 : 11:04:52

We gained experience towing the both the C250WB as well as the C250WK. We use as a tow vehicle a one ton Ram diesel 350 which has ample oomph for towing and brakes for controlled stopping in addition with either the surge or electrical brakes. In fact, towing either boat is a pleasure, even through mountainous areas of the west coast. The WK is a little more costly on fuel.

We feel that it is not so much the towing that finally made us decide between the WB and the WK but for following reasons.
1) Our age. Noticeable difference in deck height above the pavement surface when rigging and de-rigging (scared of heights)
2) Parking issue: C250WK barely fitted in our driveway below some electrical wires
3) Main point: Unknown and unfamiliarity with new ramps length, depth and... sketchy power-boat holed ramp drop off
4) More sling in-out expense anticipated
5) Limited sling availability at smaller lakes and locations
6) West coast tree, dead-heads and logs

On the plus side of the C250WK
1) Newer more modern boat
2) Significant more interior space and headroom
3) Encapsulated and solid keel
4) Stiffer sailing in higher winds
5) Shorter spreaders with inboard rigging and chain-plates
6) 135% head-sail and rigged for a spinnaker

In addition to the above we equipped the C250WB with some likable options:
A smaller fold-able teak table with slide-outs
New fresh water tank and electric faucet
More storage available in the cockpit (no propane tank)

It was a toss-up between the two models and still wonder if we made the right decision

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1297 Posts

Response Posted - 02/13/2023 : 11:34:19

Chris: Glad to hear that you were at the 2015 Montana Lake Havasu trailer sailer boat convention. So were we, in fact it was a pleasure to submit a front page article for the Mainsheet Magazine. We would have loved to have met you,

The 3 day event was a hoot and featured competitive sailing, seminars, meet and greet with breakfast and dinners and skipper briefings.

Wish... someone would take the initiative to repeat a similar event.

Photo taken from our C250WB. Boat ahead of us is C250WB "Sea Bear" belonging to Pieter and Angela Holdack and just ready to leave the "London Bridge ", Channel for Lake Havasu

csmcg
1st Mate

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96 Posts

Response Posted - 02/13/2023 : 14:28:09

bjoye, thank you very much for the related experience. I'm sorry that is was more of an adventure than you'd hoped. The link to the tire carrier is perfect. I had found it once before but was having trouble locating it again. It looks _much_ easier than the bracket and frame that I have to install and uninstall every time we launch or retrieve now.

Henk, as always, thank you for relating your experiences. My wife and I have both been avid readers of your travel stories and myriad of boat improvements. We got both chuckled at the understatement: "we equipped the C250WB with some likable options".

The reasons you gave concerning the choice between a WB and WK make perfect sense to me. For example, being closer to the ground is certainly a plus as is a wider choice of suitable boat ramps.

I remember there being at least one other 250 at the convention which was a WB. The owners were curious about our boat and we both spent some time checking out the differences.

We were on the lookout for other 250's and I only remember the one other boat so this prompted me to look at our collection of photos...

Long story short, we were set to attend in 2015 and couldn't at the last minute due to a family emergency.

The convention that we did attend was in 2011, so I was way off.

As you know, Sean (City of Havasu firefighter) organized the convention from the beginning and it grew every year. When we attended we were boat 250 (which was pretty close to the max for that year).

It was so much fun. We really had a great time.

Reading between the lines, the event grew to the point where it was just too much for Sean dealing with local business and organizations that had their own agendas regarding the event. I was sorry to see it end.

I would love to hold a similar event at Flathead Lake, but we don't happen to have a 900 slip marina laying around like you find at Havasu.

A small gathering would still be a lot of fun.

I created an album from the trip and put it in the cruising album section.

2012 Havasu Trailer Sailor Convention
2012 Havasu Trailer Sailor Convention

Thanks again everyone.

Regards, Chris

Edited by - csmcg on 02/13/2023 14:38:22

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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1297 Posts

Response Posted - 02/14/2023 : 16:49:21

Couple of very useful "ramp tools", helping to alleviate potential launching problems at unfamiliar ramps.

Any local welder will be able to economically fabricate these components from standard black tubing available everywhere.

Once fabricated, expose it outside until rust forms. Then coat/spray it with liquid galvanizing which is 95% zinc. It very durable, easy to touch up and looks like a new trailer part. It is available at your local welder supply store. Paint shops do not carry this product

Heavy duty mounting sleeve for a 10ft trailer hitch extension. Material is standard black tubing available everywhere and fabricated by a local welder. Several spray coats of liquid galvanizing with 95% zinc content, available at a welding or fencing supply shop, keeps it looking new...

Storage of the hitch extension. It is held in place and never moved, by a couple of bungees while resting on felt-pads to eliminate chafing and friction

Spare tire turned into launching wheel during boat launch
Since condition of ramps we visited around our continent were unknown, we used the spare tire often when ramps were deeply grooved, cracked old or sketchy.

Truck equipped with front trailer hitch. It provides better oversight and more maneuverability.

Edited by - zeil on 02/15/2023 12:47:20

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1297 Posts

Response Posted - 02/14/2023 : 17:43:26

quote:
As you know, Sean (City of Havasu firefighter) organized the convention from the beginning and it grew every year. When we attended we were boat 250 (which was pretty close to the max for that year).

It was so much fun. We really had a great time.

Reading between the lines, the event grew to the point where it was just too much for Sean dealing with local business and organizations that had their own agendas regarding the event. I was sorry to see it end.

I would love to hold a similar event at Flathead Lake, but we don't happen to have a 900 slip marina laying around like you find at Havasu.

A small gathering would still be a lot of fun.

Chris... your reference to the annual event held at Lake Havasu brings back such fond memories. It was a wonderful occasion. We just loved it.

In fact we stayed on our boat in a slip on lake Havasu for 6 more weeks following the event before we trailer-ed to San Diego and stayed there for 2 more months.

We totally enjoyed sailing on the lake, bicycling, shopping, dining and walking around town, while exploring the surrounding areas all the while bathing in gorgeous, beautiful warm sunshine during the day and yes... a bit chilly at night.

Perhaps someone on this forum will take the initiative and organize a group of us, Catalina 25ft trailer sailor owners.

It would not take much since the lake, marina and town have all the amenities for an informal get-together for a bunch of people with wonderful sail boats

Dave Brown
Navigator

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USA
174 Posts

Response Posted - 02/23/2023 : 08:54:16

I as well use a 5th launching wheel, and a 20� X 2 inch steel square tube.
Ball on one end and hitch on the other.
It�s stored on the trailer when not in use.
This system works very well as I have launched and recovered the WK 250
# 411 , For 24 years with this system
DB

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Canada
1297 Posts

Response Posted - 02/23/2023 : 10:25:24

Dave... Please enlighten us how one would maneuver having two hinge points. Do you place the truck and boat-trailer in line with the ramp and then attach the hitch extension? How easy or difficult is it to maneuver around the ramp area with the extension in place.

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