Launch Wheels

[Speedo]

Just bought my first SIB and now I need some launch wheels.

I have a Honwave T32le with inflatable floor and the sticky out bits at the back that limit the type of wheels I can fit.

Anyone know a good place to get a cheap set? They're £200 on EBay 😱

[Mickhitchuk]

I'm sorry to say, I have never seen a pair of these for sale second hand, which I suppose is a good sign for your honwave as the sib is so heavy duty the wheels stay with the boat so don't come up for resale.
You may find some cheaper ones online but these will probably be the lighter weight version which are not as good as the heavy £200 sets and are worth the extra
I believe the heavy duty ones are bolted to the transom with 8mm bolts and the others use 6mm
Sorry to say but you just have to fork out £200 on them

[Yabadabadoo]

You could look into these https://www.ebcmarine.com/honwave-an...6427-zv5-t01he

I’ve not seen them less than the £150 mark unless second hand, you could have a word with a local metal fabricator to see if they are prepared to make you something up, ideally in stainless steel and thick enough not to buckle under load. I don’t mind measuring mine up as a rough template. As well as the main bend to clear the trim tabs they have a side bend to allow the outboard clearance in a turn

If a used SIB cost £600.00 or so it can seem costly to buy wheels of a third it’s value but they make life so much more easy

[Speedo]

Thanks for your help. Looks like I'll have splash the cash then!!

[Mikefule]

I have a Zodiac, but many wheels will fit any boat of about the right size. I bought my boat from Central marine Services...

Central Marine Services

... and they sourced some excellent wheels for me much cheaper than the Zodiac originals. It may be worth giving them a ring. They are very helpful. The wheels they sold me are on stainless legs and have pneumatic tyres. I see no reason why they shouldn't fit almost any small-medium RIB.

What can say, after owning 3 SIBs is that there is a HUGE increase in convenience for adding even the cheapest wheels, and an even hugerer increase in convenience for adding a decent set of wheels.

A boat that is a pain in the backside to use is a boat that may not be used. Shop around but if necessary, spend the money.

[Speedo]

Originally Posted by Mikefule

I have a Zodiac, but many wheels will fit any boat of about the right size. I bought my boat from Central marine Services...

Central Marine Services

... and they sourced some excellent wheels for me much cheaper than the Zodiac originals. It may be worth giving them a ring. They are very helpful. The wheels they sold me are on stainless legs and have pneumatic tyres. I see no reason why they shouldn't fit almost any small-medium RIB.

What can say, after owning 3 SIBs is that there is a HUGE increase in convenience for adding even the cheapest wheels, and an even hugerer increase in convenience for adding a decent set of wheels.

A boat that is a pain in the backside to use is a boat that may not be used. Shop around but if necessary, spend the money.

Will do, thank you

[Searider]

As an alternative, if you are launching and recovering from the same place have you considered a trolley?

There are plenty of sailing dinghy trolleys that could be adapted to suit.

I shortened a dinghy trolley which cost me £35 IIRC.

[Noddy]

HI
I have a set have PM'd you