It is almost one year ago that I launched
my Whitehall Spirit 14 (March 23, 2002). I rowed today and
thought you might like to know how much I have enjoyed the
boat. There have been lots of favourable comments from others,
one of the best being from a power boater who hailed me and
asked what made the thing go so fast. The only things that
interfere with rowing are: tides, wind, skiing, swimming,
cycling and family obligations. I have not made any long
journeys yet but regularly row a few miles to Granthams, Keats
Island and around to Gower Point.
The beach haulers work very well on our
pebble beach. It is a bit gritty so there is some scratching
going on. My launching and retrieval apparatus is powered by 1:
4 block and tackle which is anchored by a heavy chain pinned
into the concrete stairs about 12 feet above the level of the
boat. This aligns the pull quite nicely as the keel comes over
the wall. The 10’ x15” ladder protected by ABS pipe
works well as a slide (14’ would be better). A 14’
strip of outdoor carpet runner clipped to the end of the ladder
makes for a soft landing on the launch, helping to protect the
point of the skeg which seems to take a bit of a beating.
The main deficiency of my boat is the
lack of a rear view mirror (or should I say forward view). It
would be very helpful, particularly around high traffic areas
like Gibsons Harbour. Is such a thing available in marine
grade?
Enclosed are a few photos showing the
launching and retrieval system.
I hope that lots of boats are floating
out of your premises.
Kindest regards
Bert Reeves
