West,

YES, the ramp was steep. AND, it had a steep drop off about half way down, you can see the trailer/boat go gently, then drop off a bit, then slide off, SOOOOO NICELY! We are thinking about taking our boat next year. I/he would NOT self launch in salt water, but the lake is fresh.

The long black tube is PVC pipe that he stows the roller furling in for transport. It is closed off at the back end and is waterproof up to the end by the truck bed. I am going to copy that if I ever get roller furling.

Greg