Laser TwoTwo
New Member
I'm constructing a dolly for my newly acquired 80's Laser 2. I want to be able to able to launch and winch it back up single-handed on a beach of small stones, so I'm making the dolly with 4 wheelbarrow type wheels. I know that part will work, and I can get the dolly in and out of the water, although maybe not too deep.
I was going to hang it from two 2" straps, but it's hard to push it off if it's not fully floating. So I found more cheap inflatable wheels and thought I'd use them at least at the stern so I can lift the bow slightly and roll it off. I think I'll still mount the straps to support it most of the time to distribute the weight.
I think the inflatable tires might be better than rubber rollers, which to my eye concentrate a lot of weight in a small area, and would deform the hull. If I deflate the tires, it spreads the stress out, but still causes a slight deformation when mounted about 18" off centre, as shown in the photo I hope to upload. The pic is NOT of the dolly design, just a test of the support concept using a jig on my brother's trailer. The starboard tire is deflated.
So my question is, does anyone know where is the best place to support a Laser 2 hull, relative to the centre? Maybe out closer to the edge, where it's starting to be more vertical? Or right at the centre line - maybe it's reinforced there?
Or am I being too fussy - maybe deforming the hull temporarily is no big deal?
Thanks for any comments and suggestions.
I was going to hang it from two 2" straps, but it's hard to push it off if it's not fully floating. So I found more cheap inflatable wheels and thought I'd use them at least at the stern so I can lift the bow slightly and roll it off. I think I'll still mount the straps to support it most of the time to distribute the weight.
I think the inflatable tires might be better than rubber rollers, which to my eye concentrate a lot of weight in a small area, and would deform the hull. If I deflate the tires, it spreads the stress out, but still causes a slight deformation when mounted about 18" off centre, as shown in the photo I hope to upload. The pic is NOT of the dolly design, just a test of the support concept using a jig on my brother's trailer. The starboard tire is deflated.
So my question is, does anyone know where is the best place to support a Laser 2 hull, relative to the centre? Maybe out closer to the edge, where it's starting to be more vertical? Or right at the centre line - maybe it's reinforced there?
Or am I being too fussy - maybe deforming the hull temporarily is no big deal?
Thanks for any comments and suggestions.