2023 IN REVIEW
LAUNCHING RAMP, Sep 2023 - The ramp where I launch Panache is now vacant and looks pretty good from this view. It is constructed of concrete blocks tied to together with rebar which is the optimal solution to deal with ice and frost heaves here on the Prairies. The problem with this ramp is that I have to remind myself to back up my trailer with the tires straddling the space between the concrete blocks. That being the case, life is good. However, backing up is complicated by the fact that the space is not straight since it "moves" during winter, along with the blocks heaving on either side of it. Some boats have not heeded this advice and paid for it in tire repairs when trailer wheels drop into the space. This is near impossible to recover from with a loaded trailer. I remember an incident when both tires on one side of the trailer were torn off when it rolled up out of the space. This was during a haul out with freeze up only a few weeks away. That guy was not a happy camper having to leave his boat and trailer behind to get new tires!