Launching wheels. which type?

apshutt · 29 March 2014, 13:22

Hello again "Superstars"

I would like to buy some launching wheels and have my eyes on two different sorts so would like some feedback on your pro's and con's please. The 2 in mention are the small grey flip up ones (plastic wheels), which don't seem to give much bottom clearance. (the boat not me) but look quite good.The others are the fold up type with pneumatic tyres which just look ridiculous but more functional.

Thanks y'all

Blessings

Andy

TRevor Lawson · 29 March 2014, 13:42

Hi had the pneumatic type on my 4mtr hon wave sib used to work well on all surfaces especially the beach ( big enough not sink and get stuck. Plenty of clearance They are more cumbersome than the plastic ones but left mine in situ secured with bungee straps, never a problem.have heard of small plastic one breaking etc,only my opinion hope it helps

apshutt · 29 March 2014, 14:14

Thank you.

Peter_C · 29 March 2014, 17:09

These rock! But they carry a premium.
Boat Wheels, Inflatable Boat, Inflatable Boat Wheels, Beach Wheels, launching Wheels, Boat Launching Wheels, Dinghy Wheels, Transom Wheels, Removable - BEACHMASTER Boat Wheels, Dinghy Wheels

apshutt · 29 March 2014, 17:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter_C

These rock! But they carry a premium.
Boat Wheels, Inflatable Boat, Inflatable Boat Wheels, Beach Wheels, launching Wheels, Boat Launching Wheels, Dinghy Wheels, Transom Wheels, Removable - BEACHMASTER Boat Wheels, Dinghy Wheels

They certainly do carry a premium. But thanks for that post. I will just have a sniff if the smelling salts again.

Peter_C · 29 March 2014, 17:36

My friend put them on his boat. He got the removable pair. They fold out of the way in less a couple of seconds and deploy the same way. If they would have floated my boat across the sand I would have gone with them.

John Kennett · 29 March 2014, 17:36

They are expensive, but really good. Super easy to use, well built, and very cool too

The only downside is that they don't give as much clearance as some of the bigger ones, so you can't put the engine all the way down unless you're afloat. I haven't found it to be a problem though.

apshutt · 29 March 2014, 17:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Kennett

They are expensive, but really good. Super easy to use, well built, and very cool too

The only downside is that they don't give as much clearance as some of the bigger ones, so you can't put the engine all the way down unless you're afloat. I haven't found it to be a problem though.

Thanks for that. I would have to sell my outboard or Zodiac to finance them though.

Max... · 29 March 2014, 17:43

Get hold of some SS channel and box section, a few bolts, nuts and washers and the wheels off eBay, grab a drill and hacksaw and make your own to rival any commercial ones at a fraction of the price. Links within link below:

http://www.rib.net/forum/f50/launch-...tml#post549384

apshutt · 29 March 2014, 17:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by apshutt

Thanks for that. I would have to sell my outboard or Zodiac to finance them though.

The real reason I won't get those is the clearance issue. HONEST.

stray · 29 March 2014, 17:50

I got these;

INFLATABLE TENDER LAUNCHING DINGHY WHEELS S/S NEW | eBay

Can't fault them.

apshutt · 29 March 2014, 21:10

Thanks Guys for your feedback. And the winner is?.................. a special hip hip to Max as I think I will have a go at making them myself! I will post some pics when finished and a short precis. I just need to work on a prototype which is spinning around my troubled head at the mo.

Once again
thanks and blessings

Andy

Peter_C · 30 March 2014, 01:20

Not to stop invention, but do you have the tools necessary to work with stainless? You need sharp drill bits, a 4.5" grinder and cutting wheels, sanders, files, and a host of other stuff. You could possibly use aluminum, if you can engineer the strength into it. There comes a point it is cheaper to buy a set. I sure would have bought a set, IF they made a heavy duty enough set for my boat. The design needed for folding is a challenge too.

steco1958 · 30 March 2014, 09:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by apshutt

Thanks Guys for your feedback. And the winner is?.................. a special hip hip to Max as I think I will have a go at making them myself! I will post some pics when finished and a short precis. I just need to work on a prototype which is spinning around my troubled head at the mo.

Once again
thanks and blessings

Andy

Apshut, I have a pair of Zodiac launching wheels in the loft (I no longer have the boat), they are genuine kit.

apshutt · 30 March 2014, 21:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by steco1958

Apshut, I have a pair of Zodiac launching wheels in the loft (I no longer have the boat), they are genuine kit.

I think you offered me them a while back but they were out of my price range though. But thank you so much for the offer.

Max... · 31 March 2014, 11:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter_C

Not to stop invention, but do you have the tools necessary to work with stainless? You need sharp drill bits, a 4.5" grinder and cutting wheels, sanders, files, and a host of other stuff. You could possibly use aluminum, if you can engineer the strength into it. There comes a point it is cheaper to buy a set. I sure would have bought a set, IF they made a heavy duty enough set for my boat. The design needed for folding is a challenge too.

Hmmmm., the design could not be simpler, see links to pics. Cut one piece of channel and one piece of box per side. Drill 3 holes each piece. Hacksaw, drill and bits and a hand file are all you need. You'll get through a couple of drill bits as SS is tough but that's it.

apshutt · 31 March 2014, 12:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max...

Hmmmm., the design could not be simpler, see links to pics. Cut one piece of channel and one piece of box per side. Drill 3 holes each piece. Hacksaw, drill and bits and a hand file are all you need. You'll get through a couple of drill bits as SS is tough but that's it.

Thanks for the encouragement Max. Having said that no links there. I am thinking of using aluminium and having 2 box sections one inside the other for strength

steco1958 · 31 March 2014, 13:33

Before making those wheels, have a look here

SHORT FOLD UP Stainless Steel Boat Launching Wheels Rib Inflatable Tender Dinghy | eBay

Max... · 31 March 2014, 16:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by apshutt

Thanks for the encouragement Max. Having said that no links there. I am thinking of using aluminium and having 2 box sections one inside the other for strength

I meant the links within my first link in my earlier post.

bartiny · 31 March 2014, 16:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by steco1958

Before making those wheels, have a look here

SHORT FOLD UP Stainless Steel Boat Launching Wheels Rib Inflatable Tender Dinghy | eBay

+1

Great set of wheels, very strong, angled away from transom when up, angled under transom when down making wheeling when engine on a doddle, just my opinion of course.

And no its not me selling them