draft and tilt trailer

[usmacs]

How much draft will a 1979 18' sylvan sportster need? It has a Cox tilt trailer, same vintage. We took it for the first outing yesterday at our village ramp and only the back of the boat reached the water. We didn't feel confident launching. The water was 27" where the back of the boat was in an inch or so. Thank you.

 

[Scott Danforth]

How much draft will a 1979 18' sylvan sportster need? It has a Cox tilt trailer, same vintage. We took it for the first outing yesterday at our village ramp and only the back of the boat reached the water. We didn't feel confident launching. The water was 27" where the back of the boat was in an inch or so. Thank you.

back in further

 

[briangcc]

Total guess based off a couple Sylvan's my family members own....

1-1.5' with the outboard tilted up once off the trailer. About 2' or so with the motor all the way down.

From sounds of things...1. you weren't backed in far enough, 2. the ramp is incredibly gentle sloping.

Depending on the ramp your tow vehicle may have its rear wheels in the water - normal. Depending on the ramp, you may be getting in the water to launch/retrieve - normal.

 

[Scott Danforth]

FWIW, some of the ramps I have launched from required to back in until the truck exhaust was bubbling under water and there was water coming in the doors. we later switched to a tractor for launching