Launch wheels suitability

[headdamage]

Where are some good places to get just the wheels? I've got a set of custom lunching wheels that fit the brackets on both of my Zodiacs but the wheels them selves need replacing.

Or does anyone make lunching wheels that fit the zodiac classic/bombard type mounts for a somewhat more sane price than the zodiac ones?

[Stippolyte]

Got replacement wheels for my aerotec legs from ebay. A few sellers if you check.

[Max...]

Just come across this topic - not sure how much money people are paying for these launch wheels but most of the various commerical sets seen over the years are silly expensive.

Here are some posts from previous discussions, a version of the ones shown above are very easy to make yourself with off the shelf parts and no welding necessary:

Main pics are in this first link: http://www.rib.net/forum/f8/beach-la...tml#post479701

http://www.rib.net/forum/f50/launch-...tml#post413011

http://www.rib.net/forum/f50/launchi...diy-25832.html

What looks slightly concerning about some shown in this current topic is the narrow tyres, I tried narrow pneumatics and they were terrible compared to the wide (F1 type solid slicks) type which rolled so much easier on shingle, pebbles, even sand.

[Nick Hearne]

Anyone got a long term view as to how these wheels hold up to use?

[gotchiguy]

Yes, they're great.

Used them regularly all summer in Sardinia, and although IanH's comment that they are very easy to forget to bring up certainly rings true, they definitely work well.

No added bulk in the bag when rolled up, and they do certainly work on flat ground or sand very smoothly.

The only potential issue is that when you lift the boat up off the ground to clear an obstacle or something they do pop out of the bracket and you just have to make sure to push them forward as you lower the transom back down. It's a minor irritation and you could fit a little bolt and pin to hold them in place but that would defeat their ease of use somewhat.

All in all a very highly recommended purchase.