How easy we have it?

BigJoe · Nov-07-2009, 10:19 AM

I was up in Eureka talking to interested people about organizing for the North Coast MLPA process and it gave me a chance to check out some facilities. One day I made my way to Trinidad to check out the boat launching facilities. I am used to the wide open paved launch ramps we have here in So Cal (Specifically O'side, Dana Point, and Mission Bay). Well things are a little different up north. These facillities work very well for those who use them and they do a great job at keeping them up and running, so I mean no disrespect at all to those who own and operate them, just a little reality check for us down south that have it so easy....

Here is a picture of the boat ramp that is used to launch some of the smaller trailered boats at the Trinidad facility

Here are a couple pictures of the trolley that is used by most of the people launching boats at this facility. It can handle boats up to 26 feet say the operators.

How it works: You buy a ticket at the office for $25 and back up next to the trolley. They strap your boat and hoist it from the trailer to the trolley. You get on your boat and hang on to the side rails on the trolley while they run you down the rails over the rocks into the water.

When you return they help you line up your boat on the trolley with the transom against the two pads in the back. You hang on to the side rails again (DO NOT TIE OFF as this could displace the trolley) and they pull you back up the rails. Then they strap your boat and hoist it back on the trailer. Quite impressive if you ask me. Where there's a will there's a way came to mind as I looked at this facility. Talking to the guys that fish out of there they are very happy to have it.

Think about this the next time you are complaining about the shelter island ramp and how difficult you think it is... how easy we have it here.

HBfisherman · Nov-07-2009, 10:41 AM

Holy shit thats pretty cool! But I wouldnt launch my boat from there.

Crusty Rod · Nov-07-2009, 10:59 AM

WE HAVE 100 TIMES MORE BOATS THAN THEY DO, SHELTER RAMP SUCKS!!

johndtuttle · Nov-07-2009, 11:01 AM

in b4 crying from Socal babies...DOH!

marlyn · Nov-07-2009, 12:00 PM

Trinidad is a bitchin little place,i love it there and would love to explore that coast by boat.I cant remember the name but i think its around point arena area there is a little pier with a hoist like they have in redondo,drive out on pier,hoist into water,drive away,pretty cool.

Antares · Nov-07-2009, 12:40 PM

that is epic. thanks for sharing

KuttySark · Nov-07-2009, 08:25 PM

There's some really good crabbing right off the pier there. I've had a few choice choice meals of Dungeness and Rock crabs from a couple hours of hooping. And the fishing isn't all that bad either considering it's a pier.

DoubletroubleII · Nov-09-2009, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crusty Rod

WE HAVE 100 TIMES MORE BOATS THAN THEY DO, SHELTER RAMP SUCKS!!

There is no ramp at Shelter Cove in NorCal....you either launch off the beach.....not advisable unless you have a small aluminum. Or you wait and have their tractor launch you off the beach!

johnnylite · Nov-09-2009, 12:03 PM

Too cool. Do you have pictures of the other end?
That would be a day just watching that thing work.

Firebird · Nov-09-2009, 01:09 PM

Humboldt. Where the men are men, and so are the women!
I went to school there but transfered to UCLA for my senior year. It's a really great place. I wish I could move back there but my job keeps me here. A really great place to raise a family.
I surfed a lot of good days around Trinidad. We had to watch the surf report for the swell to come down enough to surf. Quite the opposite from down here in So Cal.
Next time you're there, check out the HSU Marine Lab right around the corner from the pier. It's pretty cool. If there is a graduate student available, they'll give you a tour and tell you what they are working on. They are involved in some pretty important research.