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 Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums
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 Tom Potter		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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StSimon
Captain

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USA
298 Posts
Initially Posted - 04/19/2006 :  00:20:32  Show Profile
I am in awe of your launch wheel. I read on your website you fabricated it yourself. I really need something like this. Can you help with plans and a parts list?

Thanks and...
Fair winds,

Andy, Breakin' Wind, 1984 C25 SK SR
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zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1318 Posts
Response Posted - 04/19/2006 :  00:46:08  Show Profile
I would love to have a print of this as well... Henk
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StSimon
Captain

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USA
298 Posts
Response Posted - 04/19/2006 :  00:51:52  Show Profile
Tom,

Have you considered a patent?
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Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts
Response Posted - 04/19/2006 :  13:09:40  Show Profile
Sounds like I need to quit work and start building these things to sell.
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Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts
Response Posted - 04/19/2006 :  18:59:33  Show Profile
Here's another option for a launch wheel, its a simple one to build. I've been thinking about switching over to one like this. Here's [url="http://www.geocities.com/atgep/trailermods.html"]atgep's launch wheel[/url] setup, he has this on his C25's trailer.

Or you can fork over about $400 for one like [url="http://www.trailrite.com/prod05.htm"]this[/url].
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StSimon
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USA
298 Posts
Response Posted - 04/20/2006 :  01:05:06  Show Profile
Tom,

Why would you switch over?

What are the pros and cons of each system?
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Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts
Response Posted - 04/20/2006 :  15:33:13  Show Profile
The launch wheel design that atgep built has no moving parts, always a plus. Just lower the tongue jack down until the launch wheel touches the ground then fold up your tongue jack and your ready. The one I built you have to pull the pin slide the 45 pound tire and mount out of the bracket, rotate it 180, line it back up with the bracket, slide it back in, install the pin, then lower the tongue jack and fold it up. Don't get me wrong, its not all that bad.

The only thing I see that could be a problem with the mounted stub axle is the wheel is kind of low (close to the road) when hooked up to your tow vehicle. However TomG tells me he has had no problems.

Anything to simplify the launch of the WK is a plus. Removing a couple extra steps like the rotating of my launch wheel saves time.

Another point; with my launch wheel deployed the trailer sits level. With the mounted axle one, the trailer sits with the tongue down somewhat, this allows for the trailer to be at a better angle for launch and retrieve.

I've also heard of people just mounting a large caster wheel to the tongue.

All that being said, either one works better than none. What ever floats your boat!
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atgep
Master Marine Consultant

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1009 Posts
Response Posted - 04/20/2006 :  18:52:30  Show Profile
Very well put Tom.

I tow with a very stout rig. I have had no problem with the launching wheel touching unless I am in my driveway. At highway speeds that would not be good. It has been one of the best mods I have done.

I had my axle guy put the spindle in a 6 inch piece of axle. It only cost about $20.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.