Suggestions for launch wheels for car topper or inflatable boat?

[camshaft]

I have both a 12.6 inflatable and a 14ft car topper crestliner that I would like to install a set of lauch wheels on. More so on the aluminum, but they must fold or retract, and preferably remove completely from the permanent mounting track.

Anyone make something like this yourself or know of a supply type place (ie princess auto) or someplace that might have the necessary parts. I have seen the dedicated launch wheel sets on the internet, but they are north of $200 US, and the inflatable boat dealers here sell them similarily for close to that.

Any suggestions would be welcomed

I think these things are pretty pricey but they are pretty handy.

Worth the few bucks........Id rather spend the money then screw my back up.

http://www.eideboatloader.com/wheels.html

[camshaft]

Thx KyleM

I picked up basically the same thing at Auto Marine here in Calgary. They are only the single offset tire ones from "wheel a weigh", but they are rated for 300lbs.

I figure they should serve me well. I'm gunna copy the mounting bracket and have a second installed on the other boat, that way all I will need to do is remove the wheel and shaft and install on which ever rig I may be using that day.

Thx again

[uicehole]

Hey Camshaft. How much $$$ and how big are the wheels? Looking to upgrade to something bigger than 10 inchers.

[redneck fishing]

you looking for biggerr wheels for it

[camshaft]

uicehole

Mine appear larger than yours. Other than that, they are identical in terms of the mounting system as yours. I measured the diameter, and although the box says 16" round, they are actually 15". I imagine they would work fine if u are looking to get something bigger. Are those 10" round?

Mind if I ask why bigger? In any event, cost me $185 at Auto Marine in Calgary. Send me a PM with ur e-mail and if u like I'll send u a photo.

Cheers

[uicehole]

Mine are 10 inch diameter. My motor is pretty heavy so they sink in the sand when I try to pull the boat up the beach. I figure the larger wheels will sink less. I guess I'll be heading to Auto Marine. I'll see if they want to sell just the wheels first. Thanks.

[cub]

my suggestion . i would find the same size rim,tire, and axle as to the ones you have now, then i would take the assembly you have possibly remove tire and weld a new axle on the dirrect opposite side. then instead of only 2 wheels on the ground you have 4 . my 2 cents cub

[uicehole]

Cub, I gave that some serious thought some time ago. However, I'm not sure if the turn of the motor would clear the second wheel. I'd still like to give it a try but I'd like to use a one piece axle for the tandem wheels. That means looking for aluminum stock of the same dimension of the current leg. So far I haven't been able to source it. I've already found the wheels at Princess Auto. Good thinking though.

[kevinjanice]

Hello.
I picked up Wheel a Weigh's From Davis
http://www.davisnet.com/news/photos/marine/comfort.asp
Worth every penny, I have included a couple of picks, with these wheels I have no problem launching my zodiac fully loaded by myself.

[moosemad]

For the 14ft, get a piece of square tubung about 1.5" outside diam, 44"long, bolt that to the back of the boat (on bottom) and seal the bolts, tnen get a couple pieces of 1.25" square tubing about 10 or 12" long,, weld at 90 degree angles and bolt on your wheels. the 1.25 will slide inside the 1.5" and once the boat is floating you can reach down and pull them out. I use 8" wheels on mine and they work great. If you want some pics let me know.

[oldmobi]

I have developed a universal launching wheel for inflatables that could also be used on other boats. The device can be removed from the transom in seconds and allows inflatables to be moved in the horizontal or vertical ( very handy for storage ) position. The unit is not hard to make as I built this in my home workshop. Its great and works for me.

[Claritydoc]

Wheel-a-Weigh also have a smaller model and cheaper ($175.00) with two two 5/16" dia X 2-1/2" long wheels per strut (total 4 wheels). They are permanently attached to the transom. The shipping is free for Canadians if purchased from www.seabrightmarine.ca. I bought my inflatable from them and their prices are hard to beat.

[nevercatchmuch]

Thanks for this info - I've often wondered how I could get out on my own in the inflatable.
Curious to know how many people blow up their boats at the lake and what they do to prevent holes? I've thought of bringing along a large camping tarp to protect the boat from gravel while I'm inflating.

[loveboating]

Does anyone have experience with Lauching wheels from aquamarine inflatables ? I found them on ebay and wheels are scary cheap
They have got it on web site too
http://www.aquamarineboat.com/index.php?mode=prod&id=57 and i am thinking install wheels on my AquaDrift 12' inflatable boat (boat weight about 170 lbs ).
Or better go with Devis wheels ? just dont like to order anything for States especcially if delivered by UPS . Hate to pay their extortionate brokerage fee.

[Kim473]

Wheels, Princess auto $ 50. Aluminum tubing, Most scrap steel companys $75 or less. Hacksaw, tape measure, pencil and drill all the tools you need. You have a few pics to copy, Im sure the people that provided the pics will give you a few measurments.

[camshaft]

loveboating

I wud say just buy the kit as opposed to trying to fab it urself. The time and hassle just isnt worth it imo. I bought the kit here in locally in calgary (auto marine specialist) and it was probably around $200 at most.

One thing I wud recommend is this: when u install the aluminum guides, make sure u leave enough room for the wheels to not rub with the full weight on the boat....ie dont mount it almost flush so the wheels barely clear the bottom of the boat, leave about 3 inches.

My inflatable is fine, but I wish I left a couple inches extra for my aluminum.

[Okotokian]

How about killing two birds with one stone, and give yourself a piece of gear you can use for other purposes? I wonder if you could rig it up so you could use a game cart?

[McLeod]

Anyone know of someone or dealer who install the wheels ?

[tallieho]

You could try Zebec.They are in calgary,19 st ne south of port of call rest.

[alpineman]

Just picked up a set of these on ebay for 127.50 plus 15 shipping from Vancouver. Here is a link to another one they have, didn't want to pay close to $300 locally.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/NEW-Inflatable-sk...23723169247038

[nevercatchmuch]

Has anyone ever seen clamp on wheels (like the screw clamps used on trolling motors?)? I am not too crazy about screwing holes in my transom, but am in need of wheels so I can launch myself.
thanks

[wrbea]

I have purchased a set of these wheels from www.seamaxcanada.com
along with a very good 12.5 ft inflatable boat ..... the wheels and boat delivered to my door just under 1600.00 I run a 15 hp motor on the boats and it handles like a dream ......my understanding is that there is now a seamax dealer in edmonton and he matches prices with the website ...I have personally owned aquamarine boats and yes they are cheap and serve the purpose but I have found much better for just a little bit more and far better quality ..also have owned a saturn 11 ft with air floor ....did not like the air floor at all ...had several problems with the valve leaking after a few years ...also owned a zodiac

personally the better alternative to the zebec,zodiac prices is the seamax
these are very well made and warranty coverage right here in canada
www.seamaxcanada.com you can also contact the edmonton dealer from the contact local dealers


the wheels are also high quailty and handle my boat with ease

[benh]

Originally Posted by nevercatchmuch

Has anyone ever seen clamp on wheels (like the screw clamps used on trolling motors?)? I am not too crazy about screwing holes in my transom, but am in need of wheels so I can launch myself.
thanks

Did you ever find transom wheels that clamp on, so holes in the transom could be avoided?

[kaygee]

We are the Seamax dealer in Edmonton (Kaygee Boat Sales). We carry the full line of Seamax boats and a complete line of accessories for inflatables.
We also designed our own line of inflatables called the "HD Series" and Seamax builds them exclusively for us.
We only deal with inflatables and nothing else!
Mention this forum and we will give you an additional $50.00 off your Seamax boat purchase and 10% off your accessories!
www.kaygeeinflatableboats.com
780-906-4991

[Elk Chaser]

Originally Posted by uicehole

Hey Camshaft. How much $$$ and how big are the wheels? Looking to upgrade to something bigger than 10 inchers.

Nice looking Zebec, I have the same setup on mine.

[Mudslide]

http://www.4boysmfg.com/product/accessories/

Bass Pro sells them in their parts dept. Not sure of the price.