Cal 20 Discussion Forums

I have seen "home-made trailer tongue extensions" about 12 feet long.Usually made of about 4" square steel tubing and clamped along side the mfg trailers short tongue.This allows you to back the boat into deep enough water that the Cal will float before you put the back of your truck/car under water.You have to mount a second trailer ball hitch on one end of the steel tubing.Once launched, you'd have to pull the trailer out and "detach" the extension,( usually 2 U-Clamps) and store the 12 footer somewhere on your trailer .Reverse the whole proceedure come time to get the boat out.

Ted Sharplin, Fleet 38, Vancouver, BC

Trailer launching is easier than trailer recovery as the boat must be positioned well on the trailer ,keel, hull placment etc. The previous owner of my cal used this method and used the long tongue so well described.

                                A flag similar to those used by dune buggy guys, attached to the trailer fender indicate the position of the keel support. I would consider going into the water to be sure the boat is ok on the trailer before pull out.

 Also remember that most of the weight should be supported by the keel. I have seen unsupporetd keels loosened and damaged when there was space between the keel bulb and the trailer. In other words don't let the trailer hull supports take most of the load.

           I use a hoist and lifting plates, for me it is alot safer. My marina and YC provide this for no extea charge. HAVE FUN, Mike