A while ago I was launching my boat using the two brick trick when another boat launcher expressed wonder at how it is done. There may be a few DCA members who do not know the two brick trick so herewith is a description.

WHEN TO USE THE TWO BRICK TRICK

Whenever you need to haul your boat out up a steep slipway or if your boat is heavy and there is no mechanical aid available such as car, winch or a troop of boy scouts.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

Two house bricks, each tied to about a yard of rope.

METHOD

Place a brick behind each wheel of the trailer with the rope attached to the gunwale of the boat to avoid losing it. Grab the tow bar end of the trailer and pull it SIDEWAYS. This will make one of the wheels move up the slipway leaving the other against the brick. Move the brick up to the higher wheel and then pull the tow bar back the other way. This will raise the other wheel up the slipway. Move the brick and repeat. The leverage obtained is about four or five to one.

The two brick trick can also be used to move a boat DOWN a gradual slope, or along the level, where the ground is rough and the wheels keep sticking.