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"
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 --
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 --
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 --
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 ...
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?
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,
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 --
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!