Launching the SV Amber Clad

Well we finally got the boat in the water today. Newly polished hull thanks to Dad, and I gave the bottom a fresh coat of bottom paint. Keri had to be to work by 2:30 today so it was just a quick trip to the lake to launch the boat, no time for playing today. Now that it is in the water it is just a quick drive to the lake after work for a picnic dinner on the water without the hassle of launching and retrieving from the trailer.





I decided to try launching at the Yacht Club's ramp instead of the city boat launch because it involves much less shuffling of vehicles. The launch ramp is plenty long and steep to launch the Amber Clad, however, the prep area is a little small to get the boat turned around and get the tongue extended so we can launch, but we made it. Everyone was amazed that the little Toyota was able to tow and launch a boat that big and heavy. A larger truck may not have been able to get turned around in the prep area. Spencer is surprisingly stable towing the boat on the highway between Coos Bay and Lakeside, even if he is a little lacking in the horsepower department, and can only cruise at 55 on flat stretches.





Wes and Keri played while I got the rudder rigged and the motor started.





Keri insisted that she was going to park the trailer. She didn't make it 50' before she wanged the fender into a tree on the narrow path to the launch ramp. She claims that she was watching when all of a sudden the trailer "jumped" over and hit the tree.



I have a few last minute projects that still need to be done but they can be done on the water. I also have a list of stuff and supplies that I forgot to pack on the boat started already.