First Trip

S

seanlisa122

Member
Joined
Mar 16, 2018
Messages
14
Fluid Motion Model
C-28
Non-Fluid Motion Model
Islander 28
Vessel Name
Sea Ann
Hi all,

We have owned our R27 for a little over a year and have decided to get a trailer and expand our adventure. We live in Southern Ca and keep the boat at the marina. Trying to figure out what would be the best first cruise for us. I have never trailered before so that is a consideration. Any suggestions and advice would be appreciated.

Thanks
Sean
 
As an Arizona trailer-boater, you should consider Lake Powell. Probably, after July will be the best since the lake will be nicely full with Castle Rock Cut-Off available. An absolutely magical place. Perfect for RT's.

Before then, consider Lake Mohave as a good choice for your first experience. This lake is a hidden gem with lots of coves and nice beaches. Best time is now through monsoon season (July): you'll find evenings cool, perfect for sleeping despite the hot days. The water is crystal clear and cool. Lots to explore and good anchoring. Excellent launch ramps with plenty of fuel, water, stores, etc.

Let me know if you need more recommendations for AZ lakes, there's plenty more...

Also, if you need any other trailer boat advice.
 
Thanks!! I have read the winds can sometimes be a factor at Powell. What have your experience been with whether there.
 
It can get windy at Lake Powell. On our only visit there we encountered high winds upon our arrival to Wahwep Marina. We launched the boat and stayed at the marina for a couple of days to let the winds pass. As far as trailering is concerned, if you are new to trailering I’d advise starting out on week days when there is less road traffic. This also applies to boat ramps. You’ll not want to be in a rush or be pressured to get launched or retrieved because of high boat ramp traffic on a weekend, week days are much more civilized and stress free. With more time to launch one is less likely to make mistakes.....drain plug, transom straps, bow strap, swim ladder, mast and antenna down and the list goes on.

Jim
 
We have found that a checklist is particularly nice for both launch and retrieval. You can feel pressured at the launch and it's easy to forget something. We keep a laminated copy in the boat and in the pickup. It's not a very long list. It has really helped my wife's peace of mind, especially.
 
Checklist is a great idea. Maybe a stupid question but how did you come up with your checklist items.
 
Sean and Lisa,

Another consideration is to tow your boat up to the Bay Area/Delta. I am happy to help you with a first-timers tour with all the hot spots. You can do an overnight on the waterfront in San Francisco, hang with the rich in Sausalito, see the cute little town of Benicia, and work your way through 500 miles of waterways in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Lots of choices to consider. PM me if you need some advice.

Enjoy the new adventure!

Jeff

ps: you can also just ship the boat up and back if you want to avoid the trailer drama.
 
seanlisa122":1jjg8fpr said:
Checklist is a great idea. Maybe a stupid question but how did you come up with your checklist items.
Click to expand...

We've done a lot of trailering of boats and different things so I knew what needed to be done, but it's easy to forget something. I don't have access to it right now but from what I remember (which is why I need a list):

Disconnect electrical cable to the boat itself (our boat has running lights!).
Undo the rear straps and put them in the pickup.
Remove the outboard engine supports and put them in the pickup.
Sunglasses and purse transferred from pickup to boat (really easy to forget in the moment).
Drain plug.
Fenders and ropes readied.

These are mainly the things that you want to do in the prep area, before you get to the actual ramp.

I'll revise as I think of things. But it's not much longer than this. I would probably not forget them, but it just adds some peace of mind. Also, I might not otherwise think of some things until actually on the ramp.

Retrieving and taking off is of course the opposite, with some additional things like the trailer safety chain, lowering the mast, and raising the engine. Some things need to be done in the water (such as raising the engine) and others after the boat is on the trailer (in the prep area). Raising the engine is an easy one for me to forget.

We just normally do everything, without the list, then before moving to the ramp my wife make me say "yes" to every item. It's actually quite irritating. 🙂
 
Hydraulicjump":1xc9fcee said:
Sean and Lisa,

Another consideration is to tow your boat up to the Bay Area/Delta. I am happy to help you with a first-timers tour with all the hot spots. You can do an overnight on the waterfront in San Francisco, hang with the rich in Sausalito, see the cute little town of Benicia, and work your way through 500 miles of waterways in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Lots of choices to consider. PM me if you need some advice.

Enjoy the new adventure!

Jeff

ps: you can also just ship the boat up and back if you want to avoid the trailer drama.
Click to expand...


Sounds like another good trip. The Delta would be a fairly short haul from my home base

Thanks
 
Hi guys. We’re in Long Beach marina and try and get out and about as much as possible. Catalina and Santa Cruz are awesome destinations. We’re not able to go to pac nw this year so we have our eye on lake Mojave and/or Powell in next few months. Keep in touch. Mark n Dea
 
We'll be on Powell July 1 -6, launching at Wahweap and cruising most of the lake. Let us know if you're there!
George and Liz
 
Would be great to hook up this summer!!
 
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