Launch wheels or trolley of Honwave

[T4Chris]

I cant decide... Do I go with the 7 shape HD launch wheels for my T38. These seem expensive for what they are and don't get great feedback, but fold up on the transom and don't leave anything behind after launching.

OR

For less money do I go with buy a folding launch trolley. This seems better value but needs parking near the slip / beach after each launch

Really interested to hear experiences where people have used both. I was just going to go with the launch wheels but can't help thinking the trolley is 'more of ya money' and also everyone I watched beach launching at Pentewan in summer was doing so from a trolley... Decision decisions!

Thanks for any insight

[harrison]

All down to personal choice really and the conditions where you will regularly launch.

Also not a fan of the decidedly iffy looking cantilevered transom wheels and went for the launch trolley option. Great for hauling over rough beaches and launching but as you say, need to be left somewhere safe while out. Also no use if you decide to ‘beach’ at another location. You can also hitch up behind your car and tow slowly over short distances on private land. The main disadvantage though for many is that it is another quite large and heavy bit of kit to transport.

Remember though you can’t tow toys etc. with the transom wheels up.....will need to carry in boat or leave on the beach/car.

Difficult to beat the ease and convenience of transom wheels for most.

Mind you, with a trolley there is always the option of the ultimate lazy launch.

[T4Chris]

All down to personal choice really and the conditions where you will regularly launch.

Also not a fan of the decidedly iffy looking cantilevered transom wheels and went for the launch trolley option. Great for hauling over rough beaches and launching but as you say, need to be left somewhere safe while out. Also no use if you decide to ‘beach’ at another location. You can also hitch up behind your car and tow slowly over short distances on private land. The main disadvantage though for many is that it is another quite large and heavy bit of kit to transport.

Remember though you can’t tow toys etc. with the transom wheels up.....will need to carry in boat or leave on the beach/car.

Difficult to beat the ease and convenience of transom wheels for most.

Mind you, with a trolley there is always the option of the ultimate lazy launch.

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Thanks Harrison. Another really helpful response. I’d not considered towing or beaching at another location so that’s another +1 to each side! When dragging down soft sand the thing that worries me with wheels is the sheer force between hull and transom. Again in my limited experience at Pentewan I saw two burley bloke dragging them with T bars at the front of trolleys ( so quite some force ).

That brings me to ask about beaching an airfloor without wheels or trolley. Let’s say on soft sand. Can you do it or us it asking for trouble?

I get the feeling I’m going to end up up buying both!

( ps no idea why it says of rather than for in both the title and body of my last post! )

[harrison]

Plenty beach on soft sand without damage. Personally we don’t as not keen on adding minor scuff marks to hull, plus often a long carry or drag out/in dependant on tidal zone. Potential for damage though if doing this solo.

Often the easiest option is to anchor in shallow water. To compensate for tidal range or to keep clear of surf zone you can always add an elastic ‘anchor buddy’ system.
https://boatworld.co.uk/boatworld-anchor-bungee

To be honest you can’t really beat the ease of use and versatility transom wheels provide. We only don’t use them on the T38 due to their poor structural design to clear the extended floor tabs. Perhaps fine with a small light motor or on a smooth slipway....but not when supporting a 45/50kg motor on a loaded boat dragged across soft sand.

[T4Chris]

Plenty beach on soft sand without damage. Personally we don’t as not keen on adding minor scuff marks to hull, plus often a long carry or drag out/in dependant on tidal zone. Potential for damage though if doing this solo.

Often the easiest option is to anchor in shallow water. To compensate for tidal range or to keep clear of surf zone you can always add an elastic ‘anchor buddy’ system.
https://boatworld.co.uk/boatworld-anchor-bungee

To be honest you can’t really beat the ease of use and versatility transom wheels provide. We only don’t use them on the T38 due to their poor structural design to clear the extended floor tabs. Perhaps fine with a small light motor or on a smooth slipway....but not when supporting a 45/50kg motor on a loaded boat dragged across soft sand.

Thanks Harrison. I'm wondering if for soft sand you could have a rope clipped to the bottom of the launch wheel 'legs' near wheel and run this though to the front of the boat via the rings on the front sides. If you used this to drag the boat across soft sand all the force is directed towards the wheel not through the boat, transom and flexible leg? Perhaps using this system would give the legs an easier life full stop!?

Just had word that I can collect my engine later so I need to buy something soon as the maiden voyage is in sight!! Am I mad to want to go on Ullswater in November?

[bun]

anyone selling swan neck transom wheels for hon wav for my mate thanks please contact me if you have a set thanks bun