Re: launching wheels
Got my launching wheels yesterday. What do you guys use to seal the holes you have to drill? Anything special other than silicone? Seems the valve is hard to reach with a gauge. I used a bike pump to pump them up, but I couldn't get a good seal so the gauge wasn't working to let me know how much psi I filled them to. Any tricks to get to the stem to inflate these and or test them with a gauge?
For sealing through holes in the transom:
Lexel works good, that is what I used.
It is relatively easy to remove
if you ever decide to disassemble,
should last at least 5 or 10 years,
probably will exceed the life of the vinyl.
if you use 3M 5200, it will be considered
more of a permanent bond
( I've used this stuff for more than marine applications )
( works great to repair ratty old cross country ski boots )
( motorcycle seat, pin hole in drive shaft boot, etc... )
( let your imagination run wild )
3M's 4200 is also great stuff, the bond is not consider as
permanent as the 5200 though.
Sikaflex 291 (of which I have no experience )
or similar is also recommended by many mariners
like a lot of solutions,
it is usually best to go with whatever you can get
the easiest / quickest and still looks like it will do
the job
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for lifting by the D-Rings, there was a set of those
exercise bands around the house that no one is using,
(pair of handles and a couple -3 different bands )
from which the handles snap into the d-rings and
have a rather comfortable grip to lift by
the whole kit was $13 or $14 from Walmart,
so I am sure we could find similar handles
somewhere else for maybe 5 or 6 big ones
or less
alternately, you could make your own bow
lift handles with a carbiner, some webbing
straps ( do not know if I'd trust those side
release buckles, I'd probably sew them in
a loop), and either a piece of PVC pipe or
automotive water heater hose (or similar)
for the handles )
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@Ronald J
&
@Sinistre1
I hope one of you guys can post some detailed photos
of how you attach the bow wheels, still have not ordered
a set for myself.
Re: "...and actually had it been made so that the "deep vee" bar was on top,..."
they are a couple - 10 bucks more,
but I'll probably get a set like these guys
when I finally get my order in.
New Canoe Kayak Dolly Carrier Cart | eBay
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for inflation,
initially, I used a cheapie Coleman Rechargeable Quick Pump
(model 3 2000000834) adapted into my hand pump's hose,
once the Coleman can do no more, I top off to the specified
PSIs with the hand pump. Over the winter, I got another hose
and inflator fitting so I can now use both pumps simultaneously.
as it is, I am at about 20 - 25 minutes to build out and inflate
the boat ( with aluminum floor ) however, by the time I unpack
everything, build out the boat, get the motor on and all the gear
in the boat, and make that last trip back and forth to the car,
I generally figure about an hour upon arrival at the launch site
to the time I am actually underway...
eventually I'll get one of the Bravo pumps that has been recommended
on these forums, I think I even saw a link once to one for around $110
BTW, these Bravos can pump up to about 15 psi, which should be just
enough pressure for the launch wheels.
my Halkey-Roberts style fitting has the air pressure gauge fitted to it.
Yes, it is a bit difficult to read when inflating the keel tube.
Also of note, I cross checked the accuracy of the gauge that came
with my boat versus an automotive vacuum / boost diagnostics gauge,
and it is way off ( reads 3.6 psi when the diag. gauge reads 5.2 psi ).
So I put calibration marks on the clear plastic cover and go by them
instead of the numbers below the dial (and check the calibration when
ever it is not too troublesome).
to keep my launch wheels up to pressure, I have an air compressor
and one of the dual chucks (like the truckers use).
works great and being I have seen 3 gallon "pancake" & "hotdog" tank
air compressors & etc @ HFT for $40 or $60,
of (if nothing else) which I recommend having one
if you have the space in your shop
as they are a much better value than
the hand pumps they want $40 for at your local bicycle boutique.
--------------
@cablebandit
I picked up the 20 piece pto pin kit from HFT when it was 1/2 off
( the set of Transom Launch Wheels I built up required 4 pins )
20 Piece PTO Pin Assortment
even at 8.80, with that 20% additional off coupon they have been
flooding the weekend papers with, $7 is not bad, and if you can get
20% off of $6, even better
if you have the wrong size, just chase the hole out with a larger drill bit
![image_16973[1].jpg](https://forums.iboats.com/data/attachments/193/193945-55ae427381981c91500b9c918992ca7f.jpg "image_16973[1].jpg")
