Single handling a RT-27?

[ixlr8]

Hi TugNuters,
I have a RT27/OB on order, due sometime in April. I will be keeping the boat on it's trailer for the first two years. It is looking more and more like I will be single handling the boat 90% of the time. The largest boat I have owned before was a 21' center console diesel skiff and that was easy to handle alone. If anybody has any recommendations or suggestions on how to best handle a boat this size alone I would appreciate it.
Thank you,

 

[Navigator's Son]

Jim,

I realize I'm comparing different boat types, but I think techniques are the same. I used to launch/retrieve a Bayliner 265 single handed.

When launching, tie a stern and bow line to the dock at an angle leading to the back of the boat while just about to float off trailer. Now gently back up and then hit the brakes. I had an EZ load trailer with rollers so the boat gently rolled off and the lines kept the boat in its own lane.

Retrieving required I completely submerged the trailer, got in up to my chest to hook the bow eye, and then slowly cranked the boat forward, occasional pushing the boat sideways to get her centered along the way.

For pushing off or coming in, just go slow and you'll be fine.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Single handling an R27 is very doable if you are prepared. The prepared I'll mention has to do with having your lines and fenders in place when you come into dock, I see too many people just starting to get ready as they approach a landing, an opportunity for mistakes and problems. To help have a line on both your port and starboard midship cleat that you can control from either the captains post or port side window. The midship line will act as your brakes....this is in addition to all the rest of your lines. When docking at a marina or heading into a fuel dock ask them for assistance with the lines.

The tougher part of single handling will be trailering but again if you plan ahead you will eliminate frustrations. It would be best to use boat ramps where you have the option to tie your boat up out of the way, go get your truck and trailer to back down into position on the ramp, know how much of the wench strap you'll need out and get this ready and in position. When you then bring the boat up onto the trailer, nudge it far enough up that it will stay in place as you get off onto the dock to then secure the strap and chain. Launching is fairly straight forward but again to use a ramp where you can launch and then tie your boat up out of the way for a few minutes is important, so you can then park your truck and trailer. In all these scenarios the better you are prepared the easier it will be. At boat ramps there are usually staff available to assist or nearby boaters. Lastly I'd suggest you start your single handling launching, retrieval and docking on less busy week days then on the weekend.

Practice makes prefect!

Jim F

 

[knotflying]

With proper planning it should be easy. I suggest a ramp with floating docks. That will be 99% of the battle removed. If you are not familiar with a ramp google earth is a great way to see the conditions.

When approaching a dock have your fenders launched and lines ready. If possible, approach so the wind or current will push you against the dock.

If anchoring, pull in as much rode as possible without loosing hold. create a pocked in the center so that when you go to the helm the chain will fall into the hole without jamming.

ALWAYS WEAR YOUR LIFE PRESERVER when alone. I know a few people who fell off the boat and the boat kept going. They were lucky they were strong swimmers and were eventually saved. Everyone knew something was wrong when their boat ran up on the beach unoccupied.

Those are the basics. You will pick up some additional tricks along the way. And then there is always the friend willing to go for an adventure!!

 

[Irish Mist]

Also don’t be afraid to ask for help.. most marinias if you call on the working channel for the location will assist .. or just toot your horn to get attention of a neighbor.. Most boaters are pretty helpful

 

[Spinner]

I can’t speak to the challenges of managing the trailer single-handed, but these boats are great for running singlehanded. I have run both an RT-29 (classic) and an R-31 solo with no issues.

I strongly second the recommendation to always wear your PFD. Better to just be the habit of always wearing it than to need it and overlook putting it on 🙂

Personally, I just keep my fenders and mooring lines in place. Fenders are brought up and mooring lines are secured while underway. It’s a simple matter to kick fenders overboard and get lines ready before entering the marina.

On my part, I try to always dock UP wind and AGAINST the current. I find it is easier to control the docking process when I can put on a bit more power in forward if needed.

 

[ixlr8]

Thanks for the comments so far. There have been some good points that I never would have thought of, until I was faced with an O-S^&*T moment. Most of my launches will be at public ramps where there is nobody in attendance and I don't want to need to depend on somebody else maybe being there to help. Both of the ramps I will be using are fairly protected from winds and currents, so I am hoping I can just get close enough to the dock that I can get from helm to dock and get the boat tied up quickly. I think maybe an extra fender, or two, might also be prudent to help prevent an oops moment. Most of the marina's around me all use travel-lifts to put boats in the water. Only one marina that I know of has a ramp and it is a major pain to drive to and no place to leave truck/trailer while I out on the boat. I have a friend who has had a few 40+' sail boats and presently has a Grand Banks 32 who said he would go out with me and provide a few pointers. I think my biggest concern at the moment is getting the boat back on the trailer safely.

 

[nzfisher]

Here is a simple add on that helps me get the boat on the trailer “straight”. Hope it helps. Single handing your boat back on the trailer is not trivial even under the best conditions. For instance in all cases I know of, truck parking brakes do not activate your trailer brakes if they are electric and then there is wind and current.

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