You're lucky to have steep ramps... it's just the opposite here. My last sailboat was a 1400 lb Sandpiper 565..similar to, but a bit bigger than the M17. I was always struggling to push the boat off the trailer as I wouldn't immerse the rear wheels beyond the rubber into salt water. Retrieval was a long forced winch back onto the trailer. I used a Ford Ranger with it's underpowered 3.0 liter V6 and had no problems with power or traction. The weight your trailer tongue transfers to the drive wheels helps. If you have seaweed or kelp on the ramp, it could be a different result. On Tue, May 8, 2012 at 7:44 AM, Jeffrey Johnston <frjeff@gmail.com> wrote:
I am a new owner of a M15 and have not yet launched her (Michigan).
My tow vehicle is a Chevrolet full-size pick up which is only two wheel drive.
I am having some worries as I look at my various lake launch ramps, some of which are rather steep. These trucks are nortoriously light in the rear end and I am concerned as to whether I may find myself sitting and spinning at launch and retrieve time.
I cannot afford a 4WD truck and thus am wondering what options other use (other than a tow truck) to launch and retrieve their Monty's if they are in my same shoes tow vehicle wise. My trailer does have a short (3-4 foot) tongue extension.
Thanks.
*Jeff+* Molōn labe!