Fixing Plastic dinghy wheels through plywood transom of inflatable tender (Achilles)

[davidpbo]

I have just bought some PJ Marine flip up plastic dinghy wheels off a forumite, before I fit them what is peoples experience of using them on an inflatable tender? Do they work? Can you use them (On land) with an outboard fitted or does that have to be removed first? Can the inflatable still be rolled up fairly easily? (Not something done very frequently) it seemed to be ok when I tried without them attached although it does add about 2kgs to the weight.

Obviously I have to drill and bolt through the plywood transom. I am minded to epoxy plastic tubes through the transom to take the 5mm bolts. Would people bed the fixing plates on PU40 (Or should I get some Sikaflex) with some under the washer on the other side?

 

[zoidberg]

I have just bought some PJ Marine flip up plastic dinghy wheels off a forumite, before I fit them what is peoples experience of using them on an inflatable tender? Do they work?

I've used them - most of the tenders at my club have them fitted - and they work well.

Can you use them (On land) with an outboard fitted or does that have to be removed first?

Yes, they're usable - with the outboard tilted, of course. My practice was to haul the assembly up the club's ramp a few yards, then remove the outboard and carry it further up, to a drum of water for flushing through. The dinghy was easy to haul/roll without the extra weight.

Can the inflatable still be rolled up fairly easily? (Not something done very frequently) it seemed to be ok when I tried without them attached although it does add about 2kgs to the weight.

Yes, fairly well. The bulk was considerably more than without the wheels.

Obviously I have to drill and bolt through the plywood transom. I am minded to epoxy plastic tubes through the transom to take the 5mm bolts. Would people bed the fixing plates on PU40 (Or should I get some Sikaflex) with some under the washer on the other side?

I didn't bother bedding the plates or sheathing the holes. Over two years' use, I had no problems with that, which is how I'll do it again.

 

[wiggy]

I’ve had them on my dinghy for years, they’re fantastic and don’t seem to add to bulk when rolled. I guess when in comes to leaving an engine on it depends on the engine size, my old 2.5 was fine but I haven’t tried my new 6hp yet.

 

[Stemar]

Originally Posted by davidpbo
I have just bought some PJ Marine flip up plastic dinghy wheels off a forumite, before I fit them what is peoples experience of using them on an inflatable tender? Do they work?

I've used them - most of the tenders at my club have them fitted - and they work well.

Can you use them (On land) with an outboard fitted or does that have to be removed first?

Yes, they're usable - with the outboard tilted, of course. My practice was to haul the assembly up the club's ramp a few yards, then remove the outboard and carry it further up, to a drum of water for flushing through. The dinghy was easy to haul/roll without the extra weight.

Can the inflatable still be rolled up fairly easily? (Not something done very frequently) it seemed to be ok when I tried without them attached although it does add about 2kgs to the weight.

Yes, fairly well. The bulk was considerably more than without the wheels.

Obviously I have to drill and bolt through the plywood transom. I am minded to epoxy plastic tubes through the transom to take the 5mm bolts. Would people bed the fixing plates on PU40 (Or should I get some Sikaflex) with some under the washer on the other side?

I didn't bother bedding the plates or sheathing the holes. Over two years' use, I had no problems with that, which is how I'll do it again.

That's pretty much my experience too. Definitely well worth having, especially if you've got to lug the flubber and all its and your kit down a long pontoon. The only problem I had with mine is that the springs broke pretty quickly, but that just means a little extra care when engaging the wheels in the up or down position. I've a vague recollection of having painted the insides of the mounting holes with epoxy, but I'm far from sure it made any real difference.

 

[Graham376]

We've been using those for many years on 55kg dinghy + 9.8hp engine. Just put some sealant in and around the holes when mounting. If the old model of wheels, replace the plastic axles with stainless.

 

[davidpbo]

So, best location for wheels? Near the centre (but not in the way of outboard)?

As near the bottom of the transom as practical or high enough to make sure all of the bracket is clear of the waterline but that the outboard (Raised) does not hit the ground?

 

[simonfraser]

I’d go wider for more stability would not be fussed about some bracket projection beyond the hull, unless you plan to row a lot.
Drilled mine through waterproof ply years ago, never saw any rot / leaks without mastic.

 

[Graham376]

This is where mine are, as wide as possible to make sure the engine misses when turning -

 

[davidpbo]

I have gone as low as possible and reasonably wide. Just found some rot near the bottom of the transom. I suspect the only way of fixing that is to replace the transom. We bought the dinghy 2nd hand about 17 years ago, it doesn't owe us anything. I see how things go.

Is there a resin treatment I can inject?

 

[Stemar]

Maybe something like this?

http://www.epoxy-info.co.uk/wood_hardener.htm

Not injectable, but probably better than the stuff you find in Homebase.

I don't reckon there is a permanent solution other than a new transom, but you can probably buy a few years