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    Jim's Model Boat Launcher / Retriever
    2 Posts ยท 3 Followers ยท 9 Photos ยท 26 Likes
    Began 2 months ago by
    Commodore
    United States
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    Latest Post 25 days ago by
    Commodore
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    ๐Ÿ“ Ready for the water (launching the launcher?)
    25 days ago by ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ LewZ ( Commodore)
    โœง 45 Views ยท 13 Likes ยท 3 Comments
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    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Add Comment
    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 ๐Ÿ˜Ž, USA๐Ÿ˜€

    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Ready for the water (launching the launcher?)
    25 days ago by ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Isaac ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    โœง 28 Views ยท 1 Like
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    Lew


    Looks professional. Nicely done!

    Hopefully you will not have to launch a 100 lbs boat ๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿคฃ


    Isaac
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    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Ready for the water (launching the launcher?)
    25 days ago by ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ LewZ ( Commodore)
    โœง 41 Views ยท 1 Like
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    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 โ›ฑ๏ธ, USA ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Ready for the water (launching the launcher?)
    25 days ago by ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ช hermank ( Captain)
    โœง 44 Views ยท 1 Like
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    Lew Z
    Very nice built!! The Model Looks to me like the old Graupner Wiesel. When i was ร  Young Boy i have built the Dachs which Looks like the Wiesel. It brought me to the 6 th Place in the Belgian Championship
    I Hope you have the Same pleasures ๐Ÿคž๐Ÿคžsailing it
    ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘
    ๐Ÿ“ Jim's Model Boat Launcher / Retriever
    2 months ago by ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ LewZ ( Commodore)
    โœง 102 Views ยท 13 Likes ยท 3 Comments
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    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Add Comment
    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 ๐Ÿ˜Ž , USA ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ

    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Jim's Model Boat Launcher / Retriever
    2 months ago by ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Isaac ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    โœง 86 Views ยท 7 Likes
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    Lew


    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
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    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Jim's Model Boat Launcher / Retriever
    2 months ago by ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ LewZ ( Commodore)
    โœง 84 Views ยท 4 Likes
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    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.

    Lew
    Florida โ›ฑ๏ธ, USA
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Jim's Model Boat Launcher / Retriever
    2 months ago by ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Isaac ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    โœง 87 Views ยท 2 Likes
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    Lew


    It appears to be very sturdy. Should be able to lift any boat you have regardless of its weight.

    Was the reason to go to metal was that the PVC is too flexible?



    Isaac


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