Finally tired of using my launcher (PVC pipe and fittings) and had SSMBC member build me a special one. (He has made a bunch of his version.) I am taller than him and have some back issues so I got one about 5 inches taller.
The photo here shows it as I got it today at the meet. Need to prep and paint and add padding.
It is made using 1/2 and 3/4" EMT steel and can handle at least 80 pounds.
Lew
Florida 😎 , USA 🇺🇸
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Finally tired of using my launcher (PVC pipe and fittings) and had SSMBC member build me a special one. (He has made a bunch of his version.) I am taller than him and have some back issues so I got one about 5 inches taller.
The photo here shows it as I got it today at the meet. Need to prep and paint and add padding.
It is made using 1/2 and 3/4" EMT steel and can handle at least 80 pounds.
Isaac, a couple of reasons. Yes, the new one is much, much stronger. It is open frame ("L" shaped) so the boat can be scooped up and loaded easily. The PVC one requires the boat to go between the uprights. The new one is much longer (hull lengthwise). Comparison photo attached.
Disadvantages are it is about 25% heavier and being steel, prone to rust, especially around the welds.
This is why I am putting on the buil blog. I plan to show the finishing still needed. If anyone is interested I can post a photo with dimensions.
Finally finished the new "Jim's Launcher". I thought I would add some building photos as well as the finished photos.
What I did was clean up the welding, added some 3D printed ABS bumpers on the bottom and tube ends. Then I primed it with Zinsser 123 Bullseye prime paint (recommended for galvanized steel). Two coats of spray enamel (blue) and some tough waterproof red duct tape to protect rub areas. Also used some hot water pipe foam insulation. This pads the boat and adds friction to prevent slipping off.
This carrier is pretty tough. I stood on the bottom and tried to pull the handle up. I have no doubt this will take at least 100 pounds. No worry now about the PVC launcher breaking or boat slipping off (one already did).
Lew
Florida 😎, USA😀
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Finally finished the new "Jim's Launcher". I thought I would add some building photos as well as the finished photos.
What I did was clean up the welding, added some 3D printed ABS bumpers on the bottom and tube ends. Then I primed it with Zinsser 123 Bullseye prime paint (recommended for galvanized steel). Two coats of spray enamel (blue) and some tough waterproof red duct tape to protect rub areas. Also used some hot water pipe foam insulation. This pads the boat and adds friction to prevent slipping off.
This carrier is pretty tough. I stood on the bottom and tried to pull the handle up. I have no doubt this will take at least 100 pounds. No worry now about the PVC launcher breaking or boat slipping off (one already did).
Hermank, correct! I bought the Wiesel in London in 1975. Started working on it but then I had to se it aside for 30 years. Now, with the internet I was able to download photos of the real boats and tore it apart to build it correctly. Finally completed it in 2011. Now it is due for re-fitting, probably my next project. I want to get it back in the water again.
Lew
Florida ⛱️, USA 🇺🇸
Here are some more photos of "Jim's" launcher. I have included some overall dimensions as well.
The sides are each shaped like a "J" but upside down. the are tilted in one direction, both pivoting at the weld to the bottom and at the top toward each other (6.5 dimension) to handle. Looking at it from the side the back is vertical. The curve brings the handle over the center so the carrier is balanced.
There are 1/2" and 3/4" EMT pipes (electrical metal tubing), basically thin wall
galvanized steel tubing.
The large black tubes across the bottom are foam hot water pipe sleeves to act as padding for the boats.
It works well although it is a little heavy. Shoud be able to lift over 100 pounds.
Lew
Florida 😎, USA 😍
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Here are some more photos of "Jim's" launcher. I have included some overall dimensions as well.
The sides are each shaped like a "J" but upside down. the are tilted in one direction, both pivoting at the weld to the bottom and at the top toward each other (6.5 dimension) to handle. Looking at it from the side the back is vertical. The curve brings the handle over the center so the carrier is balanced.
There are 1/2" and 3/4" EMT pipes (electrical metal tubing), basically thin wall
galvanized steel tubing.
The large black tubes across the bottom are foam hot water pipe sleeves to act as padding for the boats.
It works well although it is a little heavy. Shoud be able to lift over 100 pounds.
I know I am getting older and the boats are getting "heavier". My heaviest is the 1/20 scale PT61 gunboat. Even years ago I would usually carry it in three trips, stand, hull, and structure.
I just added two wheels to the handle side and it works much better. I'm going to add two more to the other side and the wheels will be a drastic improvement.
The wheels are about 3 inches in diameter and given to me 70 years ago and now the finally found a good use!
Lew
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I know I am getting older and the boats are getting "heavier". My heaviest is the 1/20 scale PT61 gunboat. Even years ago I would usually carry it in three trips, stand, hull, and structure.
I just added two wheels to the handle side and it works much better. I'm going to add two more to the other side and the wheels will be a drastic improvement.
The wheels are about 3 inches in diameter and given to me 70 years ago and now the finally found a good use!
I thought about larger diameter wheels. Balloon tires have too much floatation and the launcher is close to neutral floatation. Also considered removable wheels. When lowering the boat and retrieval, it is dragged over the edge of the dock, that's why it has those guides on top of the wheels. Just wanted to keep it simple.
Lew
I thought about larger diameter wheels. Balloon tires have too much floatation and the launcher is close to neutral floatation. Also considered removable wheels. When lowering the boat and retrieval, it is dragged over the edge of the dock, that's why it has those guides on top of the wheels. Just wanted to keep it simple.
Disadvantages are it is about 25% heavier and being steel, prone to rust, especially around the welds.
This is why I am putting on the buil blog. I plan to show the finishing still needed. If anyone is interested I can post a photo with dimensions.
Lew
Florida ⛱️, USA
I commented on my PVC version a few months ago.
It is a similar L shape and am able to lift even the big 6.5 ft long weighing 25 lbs or so. I shortened it a bit after these photos and it is OK.
Isaac