launch and hauling out

[kieronriley]

i have just taken on the job of yard and berthing master at a smalsailing club at this time we are using a winch, and trolleys made from old wagon axels and r.s.js, and hauling the trolleys with there yachts of various sies and keel configurations sometimes a bit hairey scarey . some time ago iwas in mid wales and saw what could easiest be described as an a frame with hydrolic rams with slings across its width
which to me looked a far safer and up to date method of hauling boats up a slipway so A does anyone know of this bit of gear if so do you know of its limitations i.e types of boat it canot lift and B does anyone know of one near to mersyside which i could go and see ore C does anyone who manufactures them thanks for taking the time to read this and for any info you can supply

 

[tugboat]

You are talking about a tractor based travelift, the tractor providing the motion and the hydraulics. There are quite a few different types depending on size/weight of craft to be handled. The ones I've seen are hugely expensive though maybe someone knows of a simpler version that might be more affordable. Best thing is to ring round marinas -those that use a slipway rather than a docking basin will probably have one or be able to point you towards manufacturers. In the last week or so I saw someone advertising a tatty(?) unit for sale by a Scottish marina that was upgrading. For the moment I can't think where I saw it (mag or internet) maybe another forumite can help.

 

[domlee]

One in www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk:

Search for 'Wise boat hoist (F47186)' 8 grand though...

Also a nifty lifting type thingy on Apolloduck.com made in Ireland. I think, and looks useful. Search for 'HYDROHOIST BOATLIFTS'

Good luck...

 

[Sea Devil]

They use a tractor towing a trolly that has various size fittings and hydrolic rams to hold the boat - up to around 18 tons and 40ft loa I think in Rochefort. they have two or three there as there is no space for a travel lift dock. I am not too certain about how it would adapt to go into the water but it certainly could I think...

You can fly to Rochefort for about £10 each way (they advertise it as £1 but the taxes and port dues cost £9!) Ryan air - hire a car and have a night in an inexpensive hotel there. Nice people.. If you want more info or help with hotels and seeing the trollys visit my web site or email michael.briant@wanadoo.fr

 

[tugboat]

Thanks for that Dominic, the 8 grand one is the one I saw. Cheers.

 

[Como]

Southampton Sailing Club use one for launch and recovery from a hard in front of the club house with a couple of piles for fin keelers. The two arms can be individually controlled to give a vertical lift with hydraulic power coming from the tractor. I'm not sure what the maximum capacity of the hoist is but it copes with my Westerly Centaur but probably not much more. If you PM me I can give you the number of the Compound Master who may be able to give you more information.

John

 

[tritonofnor]

We use a WISE self propelled hoist, and a KNIJPSTRA boat moving trailer made by ROODBERG in Holland. Neither are exactly cheap, but both excellent kit.

 

[Avocet]

It's a few years since I was there but the Blackpool and Fleetwood Yacht Club on the river Wyre had something that sounds like a compromise. It's a big cradle like the WISE ones and it sits on lorry wheels but it is towed up the slipway by a tractor and it doesn't have any hydraulics on it - just ratchet straps that go across the top and under the boat at each end. You sail the boat into the frame then thread the straps under each end of the boat. You then just ratchet them up until you start to feel the load of the boat on them and then gingerly pull it out of the water a bit to see where the straps are. If you're happy, you carry on up the slipway. You could also pull it up with a static winch at the top of the slipway.

 

[celandine]

I think what Avocet is describing is one of these:-

The one in the picture will handle boats up to 8 tons. No hydraulics but thats just for sissies.

It goes down a slip with tractor and rope like this:-

Mick