Movable Cradle

[Spence]

This idea came to me while thinking how I could make my cradle a bit more useful. Pictures speak louder than words, so here it is. I am thinking on how to incorporate a worm gear to one of the diriving axles that is driven by a 1/2inch drill. These gears can be had up to 60:1 ratio.It would need to have a universal joint attached to the frame which is limited to a 15degree swing and be able to handle the 30 degree sweep of the driving axle(full down to just ground clearing up). With this setup a person could walk along and follow the cradle as it crawls at snails pace to where ever.

 

[Joe]

Or you could just convert it to a trailer with hydraulic jackstands. Then use a trailer dolly, powered if needed, or your vehicle to move it around. The wheels and axles would be fixed..

 

[alexco38]

We use one of these. You'll need Transport department approval if you build your own.
Otherwise, no insurance

 

[alexco38]

http://www.expressboat.com/?gclid=CLzXrPWG_rkCFZE7MgodJSIAdQ

 

[wflowe2]

I had a custom yard trailer, (no lights, no brakes) double torsion axles (because I have a fin keel) with 15k capacity, made. Seems like it cost around $4000. There is a picture of the boat on the trailer in "Bill Lowe's album" on the website.

 

[Bob 04 H260]

I used to own a trailerable boat and welded up two frames that could be quickly installed or removed from the trailer with a total of only 8 bolts. I used 2x2 tubing, each frame was light enough I could install it myself.

I belonged to a sailing club at that time with a fixed crane that could be used at no charge by the members. This allowed me to lift the boat up, install the two frames and lower the boat back down in about 15 minutes.

I could then slowly move the boat around the work yard with my SUV. I used this setup for my bottom maintenance, like to remove the centre board, barrier coat the bottom etc.

It was an inexpensive solution as we did not have a travel lift at this club.

I called it my tradle .

Bob

 

[roundlites]

I love your idea.

How about making the wheels portable and universal to work with many cradles. Configue a big dolly where the wheels are raised and lowered with cams. Use big tires for easy moving and fat tires for soft ground.

 

[Spence]

I love your idea.

How about making the wheels portable and universal to work with many cradles. Configue a big dolly where the wheels are raised and lowered with cams. Use big tires for easy moving and fat tires for soft ground.

A hydraulic motor could be incorporated in the setup too somehow. The engine/tank/pump could be set high(above WL) and the driving unit, the hydraulic motor, could be made part of the axle with beefy lug tires, and through a drive chain system, made 4 X4. This way the boat could be even launched.