LAUNCHED, added more pics and video, see page 2

[Torcan]

Well, it has been a long 6 months waiting for the day to arrive, but it is finally here for rooferdave and I

BUT
They are announcing temperatures between 32F and 46F, 0-8C
I will have pics and maybe a video of it, but it is going to be a cold one.
Hard to believe a month ago we were all in the 70F-80F temperature range.

Gotta love the Great White North.

[captainmaniac]

Good luck guys! Hope conditions turn out better than what I had on Monday. 4C, pissing down rain, and 60km/hr winds out of the north. Oh well, at least the snow held off until we were in the slip.

[jefflaw35]

good luck have a good time and stay warm!!

[DOUBLE R]

They are announcing temperatures between 32F and 46F, 0-8C

Gotta love the Great White North.

Man, it is still cold up there. Wehit 92 today. Going to the springs to cool off tomorrow!

[k9th]

Mine was planned for last Friday and due to gale warnings and sustained winds of 40+ knots I had to re-schedule for Monday the 30th. Good luck with your launch.

[The Dog House]

I launched mine last Saturday. I'm still learning how to drive a single screw inboard. It only took me two attempts to get her docked, so it's not too bad. I'll have her out again tomorrow for some more practice. Hopefully it won't be too windy.

[captainmaniac]

I launched mine last Saturday. I'm still learning how to drive a single screw inboard. It only took me two attempts to get her docked, so it's not too bad. I'll have her out again tomorrow for some more practice. Hopefully it won't be too windy.

Practice is good. When you throw her into reverse, the aft end will pull to port. You will get used to it (had the same fun on my father's 1969 28' for more than 20 years), and learn how to use it to your advantage [always try to dock port side, and if you have to turn in confined spaces turn to starboard, because the walk in reverse will help you get around in a tighter radius].

There is also a way to make it back up straight, or to starboard, but it takes a bit of practice as well.

[jordan]

I'm driving 3 hours in the morning to uncover mine and get it ready to launch. The launch schedule has me slated for the 15th of May. I had the boat pulled a little early last fall and now I'm stuck behind a bunch of other boats. Last time I do that!

[Torcan]

All Launched. No problems, but, I ended up being last one in the water of 230 boats. Just because of where my boat was positioned.

Will have pics and videos up later when I get home. Happy to be FLOATING again!!!!
1st up,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZV_eNqSO ... ture=share

[prowlersfish]

Wow on dry land and less then 2 minites getting started in the water .

[Allen Sr]

I was nervous watching that! WHEWWWW...........! Now I understand how they do so many in one day! Still makes me nervous and it s not even my boat!

[jefflaw35]

THAT WAS COOL!!!!!!!!!!! man your boat is deff different than mine. everything from windows to exhaust. Neat video, thanks!

[captainmaniac]

It would scare the crap out of me lifting it that high, and moving that fast. When they say 'splashing it in the spring', IT SHOULDN'T REALLY GO SPLASH!!! But I think your model is in line with most 'clubs' around here that haul or launch everyone in a weekend.

At my marina they use hydraulic trailer (or forklift, depending on boat size) to move boats around and haul/launch smaller (under 30' power) boats, and travelift to haul or launch sail or anything bigger than 30'.

The boat is never more than 3' off the ground, and when the travelift has it, they tie a 3/4" line between the slings to make sure they can't separate and slide off the bow or stern. Plus they use foam pads between the slings and the hull so it doesn't get damaged. Once in the water, they don't remove the slings until the owner climbs aboard and verifies there are no problems with leaks.

We store over 400 boats here, and it takes several weeks (8-4, M-F) to get them all in or out. (maybe that's why I pay through the nose)

Having said all that... your boat is looking great, glad launch went well, and hopefully we can connect this summer.

[jefflaw35]

I watch my ski boat forklifted every time we go out. iIs neat, what kills me here is, at the end of the video this guy grabs the soft top support to pull him self up, I thought it was gonna fold on him. These guys look like city workers in the USA. 30 guys standing around laughing without a care in the world! Im glad your In buddy. hope its a good summer! your boat is very nice!!!

[Big D]

....they don't remove the slings until the owner climbs aboard and verifies there are no problems with leaks....

I'm so glad you mentioned that. When I saw the video, it was the second red flag, the first was no tying back the slings. I didn't want to be critical but if it were my boat....

Torcan, I'm so glad you're in the water, but take this from me and Captainmaniac; I've been around this a long time, have seen 100s and 100s of boats launched and been around several crews. Though most goes off without a hitch, some have had boats go down on thier watch for one reason or another. I'm sure these guys have done this 1000s of times too, but it just takes one to ruin your day/season. In a hurry or not, never let them remove the slings until she's boarded and checked below decks to ensure she's not taking on water. An extra 5 minutes could mean the difference between a good start to a new season or one you'll have nightmares about. Again, happy for you buddy, it was a mild winter but a long one just the same.