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 🇺🇸

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😀

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 😍

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

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