have only retrieved swing keel yachts onto trailers , but the main thing with any thing boat, is to do it slow!
Make sure you have plenty of water ,not much wind [for the first time] and go for it

Hi stonedpirate

I've launched and retrieved my RJ a few times with no problems. You will get wet as the trailer has to be completely submerged for the boat to float off. The basic procedure is:

To launch - back down the ramp as far as you can go. Hop out and unhitch the trailer and let it roll down the ramp. Have a rope tied to the bow of the boat (and one on the trailer). The boat will eventually float off when the trailer gets deep enough. I usually let the trailer sit while I pull the boat up to the beach and secure it. Haul the trailer out of the water and hitch it back onto the car.

To retrieve - float the boat onto the trailer. Mine has a couple of padded bars that guide the keel into the right place. Its easiest when the wind is blowing directly offshore as this will help you line up. Secure the boat to the trailer. The trailer and boat combined will be too heavy to drag out of the water to the car so I have a 10m towrope which I run from the trailer to the car and use the car to pull the whole thing up onto the flat, chock the trailer wheels and reverse the car back to hitch up.

Good luck

Puggsy here...I have just refurbished a 20ft. RED EAGLE with a fixed keel...previous yacht was also 20ft but a bilge keeler...both sit on the trailer on their keels and the trailer has to be fully submerged for them to float off...main trick here is to get the trailer to the top of the ramp and chock it. Then disconmnect the towing vehicle and drive if forward about 20-30 feet...or more if the ramp is a long slope to the deep water. Attach a long tow rope or chain between the vehicle and the trailer...drive forward slowly and un-chock the trailer...then reverse the vehicle steadily...the trailer should roll itself down the ramp under its own weight but always under control...tandem trailers should roll straight...On my trailer, single axle, I fitted another set of wheels at the stern that can be raised and lowered...it converts the single axle to a tandem...where you need it...on the ramp. It also prevents the trailer tilting backwards and possibly damaging the rudder. And always have a second control rope from the bow to you...If you are doing this solo, run the bow rope to the walkway alongside the ramp...then if the yacht floats off while you are still in the vehicle, you have control...and ask any passersby to help...cheers...puggsy

Just got back from my first launch and it was really easy.

Had to roll it down the ramp with tow rope but went smoothly.

Thanks all

Yes

I just completely sank the trailer out deep then pulled the boat along the jetty with a rope on the front and one on the back.

Is floated effortlesly onto the trailer.

Then i had to wade in waist deep to hook the winch onto the boat then just used the tow rope to get it off the ramp.

Very easy to handle solo.

Now i just need to invent a tripod contraption to get the mast up and down on my own and i'm cruising.

stonedpirate said...

Yes

I just completely sank the trailer out deep then pulled the boat along the jetty with a rope on the front and one on the back.

Is floated effortlesly onto the trailer.

Then i had to wade in waist deep to hook the winch onto the boat then just used the tow rope to get it off the ramp.

Very easy to handle solo.

Now i just need to invent a tripod contraption to get the mast up and down on my own and i'm cruising.

Lowered the mast on my old yacht a few days ago. All that is required is two lengths of timber that can form an A frame about 2 feet above the spreader. For and aft stays and a single whip with a block to haul up the mast. This photo should explain all. Two people make it easy but with winches one person can manage.