So this might have limited interest, as I may have a unique situation, but thought I would ask the question and see if I can get any great/better ideas than I have come up with.
I leave my cat, mast up, on the beach in front of my home on the bay.
I have invested in two sets of beach wheels to ease the pain of bringing it up the beach - no issue backing it down the beach due to incline.
As I have aged, and the beach seems to have gotten more incline, I am looking for a simple winch to assist in hauling back up the beach. No access shoreside to pull with 4 wheeler, etc.. No motorized vehicles allowed on beach.
I do have a 4x4 post imbedded in concrete, directly shoreside of beached area for the cat.
The problem is that I have about 200 feet from beach area to launch. I used to have an old 12v harbor freight winch with battery. Technically worked fine, but could only get about 40 feet of cable on it. That led to looping a longer cable at the end and going back and forth every time I used up the 40 feet on the winch hub.
My idea is to mount a wheel stub axle to the 4x4 post. Mount a car wheel to the stub axle. This wheel would be the winch hub and I should be able to get a lot more cable on this larger "hub". Then weld a larger "boat lift wheel" to the hub. Simple take the large diameter boat lift wheel as the manual winch and once boat is on the 2 sets of beach wheels, hand winch it up the beach. I suppose I could power it if I wanted, but thinking the large boat lift wheel might be enough torque, even by hand.
Anyone tried something like this?
Thoughts?
I know this site has some crazy creative sailors with solutions
Thanks, in advance, for insights here.

--
Supercat 15
Windrider 17
Several Sunfish and Sunfish clones
Ratboat built from Zuma and Sunfish parts
Shallow water sailor in the Delaware Bay
--

Sorry - double post

--
Supercat 15
Windrider 17
Several Sunfish and Sunfish clones
Ratboat built from Zuma and Sunfish parts
Shallow water sailor in the Delaware Bay
--

Dear Aged:

I use my golf cart to 'drag' my N-18 square cat up from the beach especially at low tide. Your winch with battery is a great idea especially if you coupled then with a danforth anchor of sufficient 'holding power. And place them all in a plastic wheelbarrow for mobility. Lightweight, transportable, and very simple.

Another "Aged' Catter

I would get rid of the cable and replace it with 1/8" dyneema. Far more strength that you should ever need, and small enough to fit a lot more on the drum that what you are probably using.

I like the idea of the dyneema line. I might be able to get enough line on to make it work vs. the 40' cable limitation.
The old setup was pretty sweet. Had a simple winch, a marine battery buried in a plastic waterproof box in the sand and a small solar panel to keep the battery charged. I just hated the issue of running back and forth and looping cable back and forth. I am sure that the dyneema would be plenty strong for this use.

--
Supercat 15
Windrider 17
Several Sunfish and Sunfish clones
Ratboat built from Zuma and Sunfish parts
Shallow water sailor in the Delaware Bay
--

GilleyNM

Dear Aged:

I use my golf cart to 'drag' my N-18 square cat up from the beach especially at low tide. Your winch with battery is a great idea especially if you coupled then with a danforth anchor of sufficient 'holding power. And place them all in a plastic wheelbarrow for mobility. Lightweight, transportable, and very simple.

Another "Aged' Catter

Great idea on the wheelbarrow with the winch and battery. I may make a simple cart/hand dolly with a way of anchoring the system in place and then I could use it for other areas and friends boats. This with the dyneema suggestion might make this a lot simpler project than I originally thought

--
Supercat 15
Windrider 17
Several Sunfish and Sunfish clones
Ratboat built from Zuma and Sunfish parts
Shallow water sailor in the Delaware Bay
--

I think what you're looking for is a battery powered self tailing capstan windlass. This would enable you to pull any length of rope. This will involve obtaining an anchor windlass off a larger yacht, modifying it with a self tailing drum and mounting it on the 4x4 you have on the beach. If you wired it to a garage door remote you could be with the boat while the windlass did the work.
How much are you willing to spend? A powered portable windlass is about $1800. You might be able to modify that old Harbor Freight winch with a drum.
Just spitballin here, it's real hot, I could be delirious.
What's the vintage on the SC15? I have one(#315 1984) I sail on the Lower Potomac.
Keep us posted. My Brother has the same situation on the beach in Kitty Hawk with a H17. GH

--
'82 Super Cat 15
Hull #315
Virginia
Previously owned: '70 H14, '79 H16, '68 Sailmaster 26, '85 H14T
--

http://www.thecranker.com/
Something like this with a self tailing winch perhaps?

--
'82 Super Cat 15
Hull #315
Virginia
Previously owned: '70 H14, '79 H16, '68 Sailmaster 26, '85 H14T
--

Btw a drum with a 1" barrel, a 5" diameter, and a 5" length holds 49' of 5/16" wire, or 300' of 1/8". Stepping down in size can make a huge difference in how much line they can hold.

http://www.westmarine.com…z4icC4j84CFUMkhgod29cDng

--
'82 Super Cat 15
Hull #315
Virginia
Previously owned: '70 H14, '79 H16, '68 Sailmaster 26, '85 H14T
--

All
Thanks for the advice and I like the windlass idea, as then I don't have to worry about length of line to use.
Like the portable suggestion too
Gahamby,
It's a 1982 Supercat 15. Few years ago had hulls re-gel coated. Have owned a lot of cats, but this has been my favorite. Getting ready to switch out the tramp to old (but never installed) vinyl one, as the existing mesh one is seeing its age. Just contacted SLO to get quote on new mesh one for next season, but wanted a few modifications.

--
Supercat 15
Windrider 17
Several Sunfish and Sunfish clones
Ratboat built from Zuma and Sunfish parts
Shallow water sailor in the Delaware Bay
--

gahamby

http://www.westmarine.com…z4icC4j84CFUMkhgod29cDng

This can be purchased for $9 cheaper at walmart or $19 cheaper online (google search)
Screw West Marine

I was there on Saturday needing some glass. Guy tries to sell me glass off a roll on the wall for 10' @ $2.99 a foot. I ask him how is WM glass cloth any better than the 10' of pre packaged West System glass for $1.33/ft. He (was about 19 years old) completely made up a story that WM glass will outlast WS glass... what a crock of crap

Then I asked him if he has West System Six10 adhesive. He tries to tell me they don't carry it. I look around for a minute and find a bin with about 30 containers of it

I just purchased 4 containers online for 17.49 per bottle (westmarine wanted 23.99)

Quote

Screw West Marine

Let's get something straight here! I only linked the West Marine page for informational purposes. The manufacturer's page went to an error page. I'm not thrilled about West Marine either but I'll NEVER shop at Walmart!
That being said, you're hijacking the thread. If you don't have a relevant reply to the Op's question, don't chime in!

--
'82 Super Cat 15
Hull #315
Virginia
Previously owned: '70 H14, '79 H16, '68 Sailmaster 26, '85 H14T
--

gahamby

Quote

Screw West Marine

That being said, you're hijacking the thread. If you don't have a relevant reply to the Op's question, don't chime in!

Yes, i had relevant info: better pricing on a product that was suggested and an anecdotal example of why the merchant you linked to is a crappy one

And your mention of walmart, or why you suggested west marine is no different - It is exactly what you are telling me not to do. Don't bring in a non relevant idea

so lets get this straight -
this is a forum. Forums are where people discuss a topic. And occasionally that topic can move around a little and spur other ideas and topics . that is the nature of a forum / discussion

This is not your thread, nor your place to tell me what to do. so please... keep your instructions "don't chime in" to yourself
(edit) or continue to tell me what to do and i will continue to ignore your instruction, either way - enjoy (end edit)



Edited by MN3 on Jul 26, 2016 - 11:27 AM.

Quote

Just contacted SLO to get quote on new mesh one for next season, but wanted a few modifications.

I usually tell the story of bad service i had with slo - but i will omit that at this time
I have had stellar service and a superior quality from Sunrise Yacht Products - multihullnets.com
They are a little expensive but have the best product on the market from what i have seen (been sailing multi's since 1999)

Wait a second, dual beach wheels? What is your predominant wind direction? Why not sail it up the beach!

If your boat has a furling jib, you could drop the main and just use the jib, then when you get to the top of the beach, cut the sheet, yank the furler line, and you're done. I'd give that a shot before monkeying around with winches....

sm

Quote

Wait a second, dual beach wheels? What is your predominant wind direction? Why not sail it up the beach!

What do you do when there is no wind? or unfavorable winds or a wind shift?

7 /16 amsteel blue dyneema has an average strength of 1600 lbs, enough to hang 4 supercats from your ceiling. Or drag 10 supercats uphill with no wheels

you should be able to get a few 100' feet of that dental floss (2.5mm) on your spool without making any changes to your set up and costs less than .30' (unless you order from West Marine - haha)

Dogboy & MN3
Have used the wind when able, but this time of year we have (often) west winds and I am heading right into them when I bring it in. Fun to do when able to, though. My neighbors always look to see if I can sail it up the beach.
Looking for something more reliable and I think I have settled on a battery powered winch on a cart with some method of anchoring. That will be the easy part to rig.
This would help a few other times a year when we are dragging other watercraft up the beach for friends, neighbors and stranded boats.
Loved all the comments, and no issue on this end with a little spirited discussion of vendors and on/off topic.
This is a great site and I enjoy the back and forth, as well as all the help and advice.

--
Supercat 15
Windrider 17
Several Sunfish and Sunfish clones
Ratboat built from Zuma and Sunfish parts
Shallow water sailor in the Delaware Bay
--

Quote

Loved all the comments, and no issue on this end with a little spirited discussion of vendors and on/off topic.

- cool

I have sailed my cat up the beach using a single set of wheels and just turn it into the wind when i'm "home" but this can be a bit sketchy when there are lots of people around, swirling winds or too much rum in the skipper...

I also have a marine battery and remote controlled ATV winch that i mounted on some bed frame rails i had lying around. i put a winch "hook" on the back of the unit so i can attach it to just about any fixed object (car, tree, post, etc) but have never used it (i have somewhat mastered how to roll my 5.5 up the beach solo by pulling it sterns first and angling it up the slope - or i ask for help)

I know Dave Farmer on this site uses a similar system (but he actually uses it, mine collects dust)



http://www.thebeachcats.c…ictures?g2_itemId=113087

Quote

Just contacted SLO to get quote on new mesh one for next season, but wanted a few modifications.

I've got a Slo tramp with the 4 bolt attachment. they seem to have the best prices. I've had it for a few years. It's held up fine. I wish they hadn't left such a wide gap for to aft.
I think I just got the last stick of heavy duty Kedder Rail from Tom at Aquarius to replace the light weight RV stuff that blew out.
Yea, I do like the SuperCat the best.

--
'82 Super Cat 15
Hull #315
Virginia
Previously owned: '70 H14, '79 H16, '68 Sailmaster 26, '85 H14T
--

http://www.lfsmarineoutdoor.com/samson-amsteel-blue-rope.html?gclid=COGTjvPWkc4CFYtahgodiDEP-A

--
'82 Super Cat 15
Hull #315
Virginia
Previously owned: '70 H14, '79 H16, '68 Sailmaster 26, '85 H14T
--

Sunrise uses a 1 peice bias cut that doesn't have a gap at all
less re-tightening over the life of the tramp



http://multihullnets.com/…s.aspx?PartNumber=SC-15B

Quote

$19 cheaper online (google search)

plus 16.95 shipping. just sayin

--
'82 Super Cat 15
Hull #315
Virginia
Previously owned: '70 H14, '79 H16, '68 Sailmaster 26, '85 H14T
--

gahamby

Quote

$19 cheaper online (google search)

plus 16.95 shipping. just sayin

True! but no taxes if purchased from out of state

It is definitely a consideration (shipping cost and time, taxes, gas, how bad you need it)

Quote

Sunrise uses a 1 peice bias cut that doesn't have a gap at all
less re-tightening over the life of the tramp

Slo has the same basic design $370

--
'82 Super Cat 15
Hull #315
Virginia
Previously owned: '70 H14, '79 H16, '68 Sailmaster 26, '85 H14T
--

Is it hot and still at your place too? Why ain't we sailin?

--
'82 Super Cat 15
Hull #315
Virginia
Previously owned: '70 H14, '79 H16, '68 Sailmaster 26, '85 H14T
--

gahamby

http://www.lfsmarineoutdo…GTjvPWkc4CFYtahgodiDEP-A

Those are pretty darn good prices

Quote

The problem is that I have about 200 feet from beach area to launch. I used to have an old 12v harbor freight winch with battery.

Ever have the winch overheat and stop for a while?
I was testing mine out and got about 30' before it went into Thermal Shutdown mode

It has the worst Duty Cycle rating of 5%
" Winch with a 5% duty cycle at its
maximum load must be allowed to rest for at least
14 minutes, 15 seconds after every 45 seconds of
continuous operation"



Edited by MN3 on Jul 26, 2016 - 03:58 PM.

Funny, you saying that on the kedder rail.
When I first bought the "new tramp" 8 years ago from SLO, it kept slipping out of the side rails. I talked to Aquarius and he sent me new side rails. Mounted them on and have been fine ever since. In the meantime I had also picked up the vinyl tramp, which I have yet to ever use. Hope it fits right!!! Will finish out the season on that one while I get the new mesh one built. I know I am on my last legs with the 8 year old mesh. Lasted well for being out in salt and sun all 8 seasons - I sail here from end March to mid November (usually). Only time the tramp gets any tlc is in the winter when I break down the tramp and do the rest of annual repairs, maintenance, etc...

--
Supercat 15
Windrider 17
Several Sunfish and Sunfish clones
Ratboat built from Zuma and Sunfish parts
Shallow water sailor in the Delaware Bay
--

MN3

gahamby

http://www.lfsmarineoutdo…GTjvPWkc4CFYtahgodiDEP-A

Those are pretty darn good prices

Yea, that one got bookmarked!

--
'82 Super Cat 15
Hull #315
Virginia
Previously owned: '70 H14, '79 H16, '68 Sailmaster 26, '85 H14T
--

MN3

What do you do when there is....unfavorable winds or a wind shift?

Tack! Duh.

sm

kinda tough to tack a boat on 2 sets of wheels when solo

Dogboy

MN3

What do you do when there is....unfavorable winds or a wind shift?

Tack! Duh.

sm

So maybe I am becoming obsessed with the idea, but I now see that other sportsmen have the same set of issues.
Here is a link to a pretty ingenious gas powered capstan winch that hunters use to drag their game out with.
A bit pricey, but totally useful.
No shortage of cable/line length
Totally portable
All you have to do is figure out what or how to anchor for the given circumstances
http://www.capstanropewinch.com



Edited by windwardde on Jul 27, 2016 - 01:32 PM.

--
Supercat 15
Windrider 17
Several Sunfish and Sunfish clones
Ratboat built from Zuma and Sunfish parts
Shallow water sailor in the Delaware Bay
--

Quote

A bit pricey, but totally useful.

for $1000 - it better wash and wax your boat too~!

I know, I know.
However, every now and then I love it when a product looks like it will do exactly what is needed.
But like most of us, I do not have an unlimited budget. If I did I'd hire a wench, not a winch, to haul the boat out and back!!

Having said all that, I have concluded that the hand crank capstan winch, which I can mount to my post is exactly what is needed and will be delivered to my home tomorrow. Hope to try it out this weekend if winds and tides agree.

--
Supercat 15
Windrider 17
Several Sunfish and Sunfish clones
Ratboat built from Zuma and Sunfish parts
Shallow water sailor in the Delaware Bay
--

Quote

But like most of us, I do not have an unlimited budget. If I did I'd hire a wench, not a winch, to haul the boat out and back!!

That's awesome!
I had started to say for $1000 you can hire a team of swedish bikini models to help push the boat up the hill
but i guess you would run out of funds quickly ...

Quote

have concluded that the hand crank capstan winch, which I can mount to my post is exactly what is needed

cool beans - hope it works out
please post pics - even a video of it in action if you can and a review when you can

Did you get the "GREENFIELD PRODUCTS SkyWinch, Manual Trailer Winch"?
Where did you order it from?



Edited by MN3 on Jul 27, 2016 - 01:28 PM.

windwardde

So this might have limited interest, as I may have a unique situation, but thought I would ask the question and see if I can get any great/better ideas than I have come up with.

A little more interest than you thought!

Beachcat sailing is full of both real engineers and "shade tree mechanics" so I knew this would get some interest.

My first mail list for beachcats back in the mid 1990's, called the hobielist, was full of folks with .edu and NASA email addresses, lots of pilots as well.

--
Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
Memphis, TN

How To Create Your Signature

How To Create Your Own Cool Avatar

How To Display Pictures In The Forums.
--

Damon,
Yes indeed - a lot more interest than I thought, but pleased as can be with all the interest, ideas and a few controversies. This continues to be the forum for me. My interest, my type of "engineers" and just enough controversy to make it fun.
Funny you say that about NASA and edu addresses. My beach has two rocket scientists, one world renowned NASA program manager and they both sail. A b=number of the other sailors are also pretty engineering or backyard mechanic savvy, as well. I think it must run in the blood of sailors. Some sort of symbiotic thought process insailing and engineering. Maybe I'm giving all of us too much credit
MN3
Against all personal and forum advice, I went to West Marine for the Skywinch, as I had been given a $50 gift certificate that I hadn't used in over a year, so the price really ended up being right. I also struggle with West, as they only really have epoxy, paint and other general items I need - very little in the way of sailing gear. However, I don't 100% agree with all the price comments, as I have first hand knowledge of brick and mortar costs vs on-line. My West locally, has a pretty good group of boat owners in the store, so they USUALLY give decent advice. Somewhat making up for the high prices. However, I do take advantage of on-line stores and personal favorites, whenever I can. My sailmaker in NJ is a perfect example. I use him all the time, for repairs and "adjustments". Even a monohull sail from time to time. Haven't used him for Cats, as he readily admits he is not expert in that area. But... service beyond compare and fair - not the lowest - pricing.

I'll definitely send images when I hook up the winch - no wench images to be posted by me.

--
Supercat 15
Windrider 17
Several Sunfish and Sunfish clones
Ratboat built from Zuma and Sunfish parts
Shallow water sailor in the Delaware Bay
--

Quote

However, I don't 100% agree with all the price comments, as I have first hand knowledge of brick and mortar costs vs on-line.

what knowledge do you have?
come on !!! let's argue about it! (jk)

Thanks for the info - i look forward to seeing the pics and report

[quote=DamonLinkous]

Beachcat sailing is full of both real engineers and "shade tree mechanics" so I knew this would get some interest.

My first mail list for beachcats back in the mid 1990's, called the hobielist, was full of folks with .edu and NASA email addresses, lots of pilots as well.


Having been a pilot for 35 of my 53 years on this planet, I wouldn't trust them!

i use a harbor freight 12V winch with remote control. i hook it to the tie down, a cement block buried a foot under the sand with a length of chain attached, and winch my NACRA 18 square up the beach. i only have to winch the boat about 30,35' to where it is tied down. i hold up the bow as i winch it up the beach, works great.

i use a harbor freight 12V winch with remote control. i hook it to the tie down, a cement block buried a foot under the sand with a length of chain attached, and winch my NACRA 18 square up the beach. i only have to winch the boat about 30,35' to where it is tied down. i hold up the bow as i winch it up the beach, works great.

So I was able to get out for a very poor sail this Sunday, but didn't care (much) that the wind was almost non-existent as I wanted to try out the Skywinch I got last week. Pictures will come next time I am able, as I didn't have my phone with me.
Mounted it about 42" up from ground on a 4x4 that is buried in the ground with concrete. This height gave me a decent crank height.
My boat rests about 30 feet to beach side of this crank, on the sand and has 4 "shed augers" that they use to "hurricane proof" temporary sheds. These augers are buried in the ground about 3'. I use a couple of ratchet straps across the beams to tie it down - I just don't pull the ratchets too tight.
At typical tide for me bringing the boat back in, I have another 120' or so to pull the boat up the beach. First 60' are every bit or more of 10 degree incline.
Landed at the tideline and popped the Supercat on two sets of beach wheels and wrapped 3/8" triple strand line around the front beam at the mast location and fed the line through the Skywinch. Worked fine as long as I kept slight hand tension on the out feed line. Braided line would have worked better and not have had a tendency to gum up the out feed. But...I had this line and didn't want to go buy new. Fed the line straight down into a 5 gallon Home Depot bucket.
It worked fine. A few things I learned.
- Better to have the whole setup exactly in line with the crank. In other words, perpendicular to the beach at exactly a straight out position from the winch. It wasn't, so I had to go back down the beach and reposition the aft of the cat a couple of times. It was easy as I had all that tension on the boat from the Skywinch, but it would have been nicer to just crank from the post and enjoy the beer.
- It could have been a bit faster. Would love to have had a bigger bail, so that I would have gotten more than about 5-6" line pull per crank of the winch. Not that big a deal though. I suppose if I get impatient, I can mount some sort of drill motor or other device to the crank to speed it up.
- Winch crank is not difficult
- Nice feature of the Skywinch bail is that you can loop the line around the bail at any point in the line. This saves you not having to feed the line in from the end.
Conclusion on my end is that this was a pretty low-cost way to save my back. Retail on the winch is $70. Retail on the line is about the same (though I had it already). Couple of galvanized carriage bolts, nuts and washers. For less than $150, I have a solution for single handing my cat up the beach, and I sail it single more often than not.
I'll follow up with either video or pictures when able

--
Supercat 15
Windrider 17
Several Sunfish and Sunfish clones
Ratboat built from Zuma and Sunfish parts
Shallow water sailor in the Delaware Bay
--

Quote

Conclusion on my end is that this was a pretty low-cost way to save my back

Nice!

How's the quality on that Sky Winch? I may put one on my trailer mast support for mast raising.

--
'82 Super Cat 15
Hull #315
Virginia
Previously owned: '70 H14, '79 H16, '68 Sailmaster 26, '85 H14T
--

I like the quality. Plastic parts look to be carbon loaded plastic. Sturdy bracket. The bail is cast and I can't really tell what its made of, but it is a good casting, well flashed and polished. I think its worth the $

--
Supercat 15
Windrider 17
Several Sunfish and Sunfish clones
Ratboat built from Zuma and Sunfish parts
Shallow water sailor in the Delaware Bay
--