Launch Guidelines
Launch Guidelines - Bill Shaw
Spring is on the way, so is boat launching.
As I’m writing this today, it was nearly shirt sleeve weather. Spring is a time to lend one hand to the club to get everything ready for the coming season, and use the other for your boat. Get that winter cover off, polish and paint, and then it will be time to launch.
Some new members may not understand how our launching process works. First, I’m sure you have heard this a few times...we’re are not a marina; we’re a club, a do-it-yourself club. Marina yards, unlike our club yard, usually are built for moving boats around and have hard surfaces. HPYC is more like an old fashioned boatyard, an open field that is fine when dry, but can be a mud pit when wet. I urge you to think as a sailor, and plan ahead. Patience is the byword. Members run the lift equipment, and getting the fleet launched is a cooperative effort. We all help in some way, so once your boat is in, help your fellow members until the entire fleet is launched. Since launching is governed by the tides it is important to follow a time honored system as follows:
- Have your boat ready before you make arrangements for launching.
- De-winterize and test the engine (we don’t have time to work on a balky engine at the launch docks while others are in the launching line). Test the batteries.
- Have your forestay slacked and the mast supported with halyards, if that was needed when you hauled out in the fall (with tide time limited we shouldn’t be spending time doing this while the lift backs over the boat). If you need advice and help, just ask.
- If you have a transom hung rudder or an outboard engine that raise, have them lifted and secured. Also I advise securing the rudder amidships, because the strain of backing down the ramp with the rudder unattended and swinging may cause damage.
- Double check all through hull valves, check your log (speed paddlewheel) and depth sounder to be sure your have re-installed them and they are secure. Have the access covers off your engine compartment and off the accesses to through hull valves and instrument sensors. When the lift sets your boat down, the very first task is to check all of these as well as the shaft log for leakage.
- Sign up or call for a date and time for launch.
- Check tides on the date you wish to launch, See links to the right. Tides are not absolute on the North East River, published tidal charts don't consider wind direction, and may be hours early or late, water level is affected by strong winds blowing up or down river, heavy rains in the Susquehanna water shed which extends from New York State, and sluice gate openings on the Conowingo Dam.
- Enter your request for launch on the launch list posted in the clubhouse or call Bill Johnson (610-286-5857) and he will place your name on the list. It is important to follow this procedure so more then one boat isn’t scheduled for the same time slot. Confirm a day or so ahead of launch with Bill or the lift operator lifting your boat.
- On the launch day please be on the ground a few hours before high tide, because we put boats in according to the boats draft.
- After your launch.
- Pick up and stack your blocking and stands or cradle in such a way as to allow the mower to work through the area. Please remove old paint cans and other trash.
- This system works well, with your cooperation and that of the members helping you launch. If you have questions or suggestions, talk to Bill Johnson or me ahead of time. We’re all looking forward to an active season of sailing and socializing.
Fair winds to all.