trailer + boat lenght?

[ecossebob]

I have been refurbishing my 26X for a couple of years and store it in my HOA's parking area. When I bring it over to my home to work on it I have to back it into a very tight space. I have to do this alone in my 1995 Ford Aerostar 4 wheel drive long bed van and it's beyond my back up skills.
Being originally from Scotland, where space was always at a premium, I remembered how they tackled this problem. As was already suggested, push from the front. The trick is to offset the hitch towards the passenger side of the truck. This offsets the trailer giving the driver visability down the side of the trailer and precision parking is a breeze. No more mirrors and jack knifing.
I decided to equip my Ford to do this and went on line. In the UK you can buy a ready made offset front mount hitch for just about any vehicle including my Aerostar, but no company in the US, that I could find, makes one. Some of them thought it was a good idea and offered to make a custom hitch but at a prohibitive cost, at least for me.
So I went to my local steel supply house and bought a section of 2"x2" tow receiver tube, [not stranded tube] and a piece of 1/4" plate steel and made my own. Now parking my Mac is as easy as falling of a log. I hope this helps any other parking impaired members.
I have question I need help with. I have also been toying with the idea of towing my Mac with a small Motor Home, namely a 26' 1975 GMC low profile classic air suspension Motor Home. When the final drive is changed to a 3.70 ratio it is capable of pulling up to 9000 lbs.
Launching and retrieval with the 26' GMC at restricted access ramps concerns me, even with an offset front tow hitch. My question is, is there normally a service available at marinas I could use to do that for me when I need it and what is the typical cost.
If there is anyone with Motor Home boat towing experience and has any advice I would appreciate it.
Sorry for the long post BobW.

[mrron_tx]

Bob.... I think I understand Your question I solo 99% of the time and when the wind shifts around....it can be tough to line the Mac up long enough to load. Usually the is someone that ask if I could use a hand , and I always say yes... Now.... Just in case I didn't really understand the question and it was about the motorhome not being able to manuver up and down the ramps..... I still believe there are some good and helpful people in this world... And if there aren't any around.....bribe some teenager for a pull Ron. Dauntless.

[ecossebob]

Hi Ron thanks for the info.
I'm new to trailer launching and just don't know how the ramp launching system works at the big buisy Marenas yet. My concern is if I was at a facility were my 26' GMC for some reason could not make the turns to launch and retrieve my boat, would there be a Marina Service I could hire to do it for me. Your suggestion to find a fellow sailor to help or do the job for me makes sense.
I don't think I will be sailing single handed until I get some experience handling my Mac. I will use my Ford Aerostar to tow at first. The nearest water to me is the Salton Sea Ca and has no services, but it will be my proving ground. It's been a long project rebuilding my Mac and I can't wait to get her into the water.
Thanks again BobW.

[mastreb]

Hi Ron thanks for the info.
I'm new to trailer launching and just don't know how the ramp launching system works at the big buisy Marenas yet. My concern is if I was at a facility were my 26' GMC for some reason could not make the turns to launch and retrieve my boat, would there be a Marina Service I could hire to do it for me. Your suggestion to find a fellow sailor to help or do the job for me makes sense.
I don't think I will be sailing single handed until I get some experience handling my Mac. I will use my Ford Aerostar to tow at first. The nearest water to me is the Salton Sea Ca and has no services, but it will be my proving ground. It's been a long project rebuilding my Mac and I can't wait to get her into the water.
Thanks again BobW.

Bob with a tow beast that long it will be a bit hairy. I recommend having a tow receiver welded on below your front bumper, so you can drive the trailer down the ramp truck forward. It's vastly easier than going down backwards with a long vehicle.

ON EDIT: Oops, been said already.

[mrron_tx]

WOW !!!! The salton sea???? I used to ride motorcycles with a bunch of fellow Sailors out that way when I was stationed in S.D. You mentioned it has no services?? Does that include no ramps as well ????? That could really cause major problems. I remember that area as real flat , and if the bottom near shore is hard....maybe You could launch..... But I would'nt try it Best of luck Ron. Dauntless.

[ecossebob]

Hi Ron.
My sailing activities will be on the larger Ca or Arizona fresh water lakes like Mead, Powell etc . These were the facilities I was unsure of how practical launching with a 26' vehicle would be and if there would be help. It would be terrible to drive hundreds of miles and find I couldn't get in the water. My first ventures will be to the Salton Sea which is only 50 so miles from my home.
You are right Salton Sea is below sea level and is the largest lake in Ca. It was formed when the Colorado River burst it banks 1905 and flooded the Salton Sink a huge depression that at one time was part of the Sea of Cortez. It was two years before they could close the breach. Though it was originally flooded with fresh water and clear as a bell, it has slowly become polluted with agriculture run off and is now forty per cent saltier than the Pacific Ocean. How will that effect the sailing characteristics of my Mac?,
Over 500,000 people used to come here in the summer for swimming, boating and camping. Then there was a scare around 1960 that there was dangerous levels Selenium in the water from the agriculture run off and tourism stopped. The Sea is approximately 15 miles wide and 30 miles long. If you stand at the northern end and look south you can the horizon. It really is a small sea. The selenium scare was proved wrong, but the damage was done.
In it's hay-day and being only 50 miles from Palm Springs all the movie celebs had boats here . There were numerous marinas and launching ramps giving access to the water. There even was a US Navy Sea Plane base at the northern end flying to the Pacific Islands during WW2. Hundreds of bird species nest or stop as they migrate in the spring season. Sunny Bono helped create a Cal State wild life preserve for them at the southern end of the Sea and in recognition bears his name. The water was so clear and about 50 ft deep, you could sail over and see the roofs of the buildings and houses that were submerged by the flood.
The beaches seen from a distance are brilliantly white with flocks of sea gulls cawing, wheeling and diving around. The water is a brilliant blue. When you get closer you are surprised to find the white sandy beach is not sand at all, but millions of small bleached fish bones. At certain times algae in the water causes a massive fish kill and over the years the skeletons of these fish has covered the original sand. The Park Ranger told me the water was safe to swim in and the fish safe to eat.
Today there is only one access to the water at North Shore. It's a State Park Recreation Area, with camping and RV facilities, small supply store, one ramp, a couple of docks, a wash area, bring your own hose, all clean, modern and very nice. The Imperial County Sheriff's Boat is only one I have ever seen using the facility.
The locals tell me on the rare occasion a boat is seen on the water it is the topic of conversation for days. Imagine what a flotilla of Macs would do.
Sorry to have gone on so long, but the Sea was the main reason I bought my Mac. I had lived here for 35 years and believed all the negative stores I heard about the Salton Sea. Then two years ago I saw it for the first time and fell in love.
Despite all the negatives you will read about the Salton Sea it is beautiful and it will be my own private, sea/play ground.
Thanks for listening. BobW.

[mrron_tx]

Bob: I went out and measured My tow beast/ truck at just under 23ft.....so it seems like You can back down a ramp ...with some practice It also sounds like ,unless the Sheriff's boat needs to launch quickly.... You should have plenty of time to get it lined up real good. As far as the effect of that really salty water...... I would repeat to Myself, Rinse ,rerinse,flush the motor ,reflush the motor ,wash the boat wash the boat,,,,wax the boat I cannot even imagine the effect that salty of water will have on Your All in all... I wish You all best luck and fair winds Ron. Dauntless.

[mrron_tx]

Bob: I missed the part about Lakes Mead and Powell... I have never been over there ,but with all the Houseboats etc etc etc I can hardly imagine not being able to find ramps that can accomidate Your motor home. Both of those lakes are on My bucket list Ron.

[Divecoz]

Hey Ron: Port Charlotte Fla. is about an Hour or more, closer for you and IMHO...... no less than a zillion times more sailing ground (actually only 270 v 254 sq. miles) OK OK so I have to include tributaries and then add The Emerald Coast line all the way to Key West to be a zillion : ) and that many more things to see and we have Hundreds of Islands and Keys and Camp Grounds and Marinas and Resturants , and We see Porpoises and Sea Turtles Right In The Harbor...Ramps? We have a LOT of Ramps... Almost too many to count..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_ ... orida_bay) this is arguably the Fishing Capital of America.. : ) Just a Thought : )

Bob: I missed the part about Lakes Mead and Powell... I have never been over there ,but with all the Houseboats etc etc etc I can hardly imagine not being able to find ramps that can accomidate Your motor home. Both of those lakes are on My bucket list Ron.

[mastreb]

I too have motorcycled out to the Salton Sea a few times. I have to say, the desolation is very atmospheric. The place is almost post-apocalyptic, with about 90% of houses abandoned but still a little bit of activity.

My problem with the area is the blowing dust. It's windy there most of the time, and the dust isn't just silica, it's salt so it stings the eyes. I actually keep my visor down while I'm there. There's also a bit of a decaying smell to the south part, similar to the Great Salt Lake.

I'm always there in the winter though, so maybe I'm going at the wrong times.

[raycarlson]

JUST TAKE your rig and boat to the nearest walmart etc late at night and practice backing around the lot. I think your worrying about nothing as your rig is only slightly longer than your avg full size pick-up by three or four feet. also the longer the wheel base the more smoothly it will back versus a very short wheelbase which changes backing angles very quickly.

[raycarlson]

PS when swimming in the sea keep in mind that that is the only drainage for the El Centro area agriculture valley and the amounts of herbicide and insecticide and fertilizer runoff is tremendous. Don't swallow after diving in !!!!!!

[mrron_tx]

Divecoz : I have the Fla coast on My bucket list also....when I take My longest/last trip to do the Great American loop...also Key West during Fantasy Fest Bob: I think Ray had a great idea about the empty parking lot..... I taught 1 Wife ,3 kids and 4 Grandkids how to drive and park like that Ron. Dauntless.

[DaveB]

I retire this Friday, That's tomorrow, having a bit or retirement remorse. Sailing my MacX on West Coast of FL. and Riding my new 1300 Deluxe Yamaha will travel lots of adventures , we will hook up.
Keep the Wind to your back.
Dave

Hey Ron: Port Charlotte Fla. is about an Hour or more, closer for you and IMHO...... no less than a zillion times more sailing ground (actually only 270 v 254 sq. miles) OK OK so I have to include tributaries and then add The Emerald Coast line all the way to Key West to be a zillion : ) and that many more things to see and we have Hundreds of Islands and Keys and Camp Grounds and Marinas and Resturants , and We see Porpoises and Sea Turtles Right In The Harbor...Ramps? We have a LOT of Ramps... Almost too many to count..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_ ... orida_bay) this is arguably the Fishing Capital of America.. : ) Just a Thought : )

Bob: I missed the part about Lakes Mead and Powell... I have never been over there ,but with all the Houseboats etc etc etc I can hardly imagine not being able to find ramps that can accomidate Your motor home. Both of those lakes are on My bucket list Ron.

[mrron_tx]

Dave: Congratulations on the retirement. Hope You enjoy Yourself Ron. Dauntless.