single-hand launch

[wingtime]

This is true. I guess I'm spoiled by the fact that all our ramps have nice floating docks.

Still that ladder scares me.

[adaptolife]

I will be shined fishing at lake istokpoga, in Floriduh. A concrete ramp and no docks. Most people drive larger boats on and off trailer. I will use the dock line method. I think grans ladder has promise too.

[Bergertime]

I too launch my 245 Osprey alone quite often and connecting a long stern and bow line in a knot has been a real help for me.  I then run the connected rope around the outside of the guide post in the back and over (really around the back) two of the cleats on the dock.  I then back her down with the tow strap and chain un-done tapping the breaks to push her off the trailer.  The connected ropes slide in parallel to the dock as I back her down without ever slipping off the back of the dock cleats.  Once boat is free I hop out of the truck and ease her back to the dock, tie her down and then go park my trailer...  This routine has made launching by myself much easier and eliminated the worry about my boat floating off or getting in the water although bay temps here are still in the 80s..  Hope some of this may help.

B

[seabob4]

I'd like to add here, thought Lorida, Florida, was some kind of play on the name...nope, right down there on the shore of Lake Istokpoga (which I have no effin clue how to say!) S of Sebring.  Just in the part of the state that I haven't really been to.  Kinda one of those, if you ain't going there, you ain't gonna go through it...

[gran398]

Berg, that idea is even better than the big loop the pro used on the vid. Guess you could do the same with a single long rope tied bow to stern on that side. The plus is the rope slides outside the dock cleats, but the biggest thing is, if its windy the boat stays side-to the dock, right?

Thanks Learn something new every day!

[Bergertime]

Yes - My experience is even if you have a strong wind pushing the boat away from the dock it never goes more than a few feet away and pretty much stays parallel to the dock for easy retrieval.  In addition, it does not block or encroach into the other downwind lane if the ramp has one.  I think one long line would work better as you would not have to worry about the knot catching during the slide and you could adjust the length based on cleat placement.  Today- I just tie a good ole' fashion square knot!

B