Solo dinghy launching trolley vandalised.

[huldah]

The U shaped handle of my trolley has been wrecked. Bolt cutters, chisels and brute force have left no sign of the original shape.

I missed the freebie trolley on the for sale forum. However, I happen to like the design of my trolley and would ideally like to to make up a new handle. The handle locks onto the front chine holding the boat securely, useful in adverse conditions especially if fully rigged. I am going to purchase a steel rod so I can make a template before trying to bend the tube to shape. The tube is 19mm, galvanized with 2mm walls. It appears that this of size tube is probably still available. Conduit is not suitable however, as 19mm conduit is not actually 19mm OD!

I have 19mm benders, but may not have the strength to bend 2mm steel. In this case I will have to find a company who can do the work from the template.

If anyone has one of these trolleys, a photo would be helpful.

 

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a photo would be helpful.

Likewise. There is a Solo fleet at my local club so with a visual of the sort of trolley you mean I could have a scout around to see if any there match.

 

[huldah]

Hi HiAndDri,

Thanks for your posting. The boat was built by Jack Holt in 1969 and the trailer may be original. I have owned it since 1986. It is simply angle iron with wheels on each end and two tubes welded on the front. The U shaped handle/boat support is held in these two tubes by two split pins. This makes it easy to transport.

As these tubes go forward, they bend upwards to support the boat on (I think), the upper chine, and then swing up to form a handle. When transporting, I slide the tubes into the bottom of the boat where they fit between the side tanks, open ends forward. I did not expect such stupidity, and did not make the necessary observations. That's the reason photos may be helpful.

I have today found a local firm who will be able to supply the material and to bend into shape. I am hoping limits on the radius of the bends their machine can make will not be a problem. It means a short wait. I am going to do some experiments tomorrow, bending wire into shape to decide on the best shape.

Your posting has reminded me that there is a fleet at Chew Valley SC and Bristol Corinthian Yacht club, though they are probably much younger. There were some at Bristol Avon SC and Chippenham SC.

It looks like Sunday is going to be busy!