Launching a Big Tri from a Trailer

[PhantomBoatwork]

Launch day is getting closer, and now I'm obsessing on how to get a 44 foot long 28 foot wide trimaran from my back yard to the water. We have a pretty straight shot-about two miles- to the Texas City dike and deep water. I'm gathering wheels and axles to make a boat trailer to get the boat to the water, but I'm wondering if it's a good idea to try and back a VERY long boat down a launch ramp and try to float it off, or if I should bite the bullet and hire a 100 foot crane and step the mast at the same time? Has anyone had experience with launching a big tri this way? Any input would be appreciated.

[clockwork orange]

Shouldnt be much of a problem, ive done it with a 36x18 cat. Mobile home axles are the cheapest way to go and readily available.
Steve.

[jmarples]

I have launched a number of big boats with trailers. Use a heavy truck or pick-up with extra weight in the back. Make sure of good brakes and a secure hitch (one boat jumped the hitch and launched itself. No problem.) The CG shifts aft as the boat is positioned on the angled ramp, and negative tongue weight can be a problem. Make sure the boat will float off with the towing vehicle no deeper than the waters edge. Otherwise arrange for a winch on a truck to lower the boat down the ramp. Go slowly, use a safety line. Jmarples

[Unicorn Dreams]

And make sure whichever end, should be stern going in the water first is unstrapped. Have seen people forget and have had to cut the straps loose..

[Jmolan]

We all do it in San Carlos Mexico (launch by trailer) p to 48' Cross and a big cat same size. We need high tide to make sure the trailer wheels stay on pavement. You do not want to get out into the mud before it floats. The local marina charges u $13 to launch if we have our own trailer. They use a Cat loader, very professional. If they think it is going out to far in the water, they attach a cable to extend the reach, and keep their prized loader out of the salt water.
Congratulations on your new boat, way to go

[PhantomBoatwork]

Thanks, Merci, Mucho gracias, and Danke. All of the postings were a great help. I'm still several months away from launching, but I really want it to go well. I've seen enough scripted disasters to know that I really don't want to have one at my launch. It's considered BAD!