Hobie Cat Forums

I am new to the sport & wonder if there are "donts" in regards to launching from ramps?
Mick

Do not try to launch with the sails up unless the wind is very light and the boat will be into the wind most of the time while on the trailer. Otherwise, launch w/o sails and rig while head to wind on the beach or tied to the dock.

Having two people to work with the boat is way easier than by yourself.

Learn how to control your speed when coming in to shore and / or the dock. Plan how you're going to land the boat before you take off. A strong on shore wind, rocks, no dock and a concrete ramp are a recipe for trouble. Don't leave the shore unless you can get back in without trashing your boat.

Have everything ready to launch except the main (rolled or flaked on the deck, halyard attached) and the jib (furled). Then get on and off the ramp as quickly as possible. You will be sharing the ramps and docks with power boats who have a lot more maneuverability and a lot less stuff to do on the ramp than you. They don't understand that it takes you 5 minutes to hoist the main, attach the outhaul, attach and set the downhaul, adjust mast rotation, stow the halyard, put the daggers in the wells, drop the rudders, and tack out the narrow channel. All they know is that you're in their way. They're not (all) jerks they just don't understand or empathize with sailors. You will be doing YOURSELF a big favor by being ready and getting in and out as fast as possible.

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The ox is slow but the earth is patient

Matt really nailed it as far as my experience goes (both posts are fully accurate, though). I ramp-launch from a sand ramp in the OBX and before I back onto the ramp I step the mast, start the main, usually hoist the jib, etc. There's a muddy area next to the ramp where I will move the boat to while I park the car, but if there are other boats waiting for the ramp I will try to move the boat a bit farther away (there's a sunken boat next to the ramp so I can use that as a dock). When the car is parked all I have to do is spin the boat into the wind, hoist the main and start to maneuver. It's an emergency ferry landing and crab dock, so there is junk everywhere. I do everything I can possibly do before backing onto the ramp. Make sure to pull out plenty of mainsheet so that you aren't sheeted in as the main goes up.

And look for overhead lines first! I've seen ramps where you almost have to rig on the ramp due to overhead lines. It sucks to rig the boat and then notice that you can't get there from here.

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'78 H16 - 32692 ex-rental
'00 H16 - 104691
Old Holsclaw trailer