Dolly/Trolley: fixed or demountable aluminum or plated steel

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Duncan_vdH

Member
I am considering buying a dolly/trolley and am unsure to choose a fixed one or a demountable one.
If it can be taken apart that seems to be advantageous when it has to be stored or transported for some reason (in the back of the car as opposed to on a truck or trailer) , but I imagine a fixed one is more stable.

The demountable ones are also made from aluminum and the fixed ones generally from steel. Again the light weight of the aluminum is a trade-off against the stiffness of the steel.

What should choose?
 
I have a stackable PSE trolley because 1) I got it for free (long story) and 2) I thought at the time I would do some travelling with others who had similar stackables. The latter never materialized, and then PSE/LP changed the model that it's not even compatible anymore. I have for some time thought I'd get a new aluminium trolley because this current one weighs a ton, for no good. It's especially a pain when cartopping. I think "stability" (whatever one means with it) is irrelevant with trolleys, so I'm looking for a demountable one. Practic seems to be the most popular brand around here.
 
LaLi said:
I think "stability" (whatever one means with it) is irrelevant with trolleys
Click to expand...

This. A Laser isn't particularly all that heavy, and you are just moving the boat around by hand in the launch area. No sense in adding more weight to move around that isn't needed.

Years ago I went to CORK. With 500 boats, launching and retrieval was a zoo. You took whatever dolly was handed to you. One day I wound up with one of the "house" dollies, made from large welded steel pipe. I nearly threw my back out trying to get the boat up the ramp. Meanwhile, a group of Brazillian sailors were carrying a boat up by hand. I wasn't moving fast enough for them, and I presume those Portuguese words were some pretty bad things.
 
Duncan_vdH said:
Trolleys » LASER » Trailers » Sailcenter

which one would you prefer?
Click to expand...
I prefer gunwale-hanging, so out of those I'd choose the "Set-up" and take the sling off + add some padding. The telescopically extendable one only makes sense if you want to transport or store it in a cramped space.

On that same page, the Windesign trolley actually looks pretty good. It's gunwale-hung in the front, too. A quick look at my local former Laser dealer's pages reveals they still have ten of them in stock. 304 euros.

I might pay them a visit tomorrow. :cool:
 
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