DIY boat launching wheel – my build detail and experiences, tips, trick, material, size and how to.

I posted my inflatable boat launching video last Summer. Since then I have received many viewers message asking for the detail of my build. So this video is to show the details of my DIY boat launching wheel with some tip and tricks and how to. Hopefully it will help if you plan to build one.

DIY boat launching wheel – my build detail and experiences,tips, trick, material, size and how to.

Here are some more close up photos with measurement detail. The tools used and material list and FAQ are below. 

Tube to pole measurement 

Back of the bracket mount. Don't forget to add caulk to seal the holes

Use step bits to enlarge the the hole to 5/8" for axle

vertical measurement 

vertical measurement 

Total height 

FAQ:

1.  How strong is your wheel? Can I tow the boat with these wheels behind my car? 

A: Although these wheels are pretty strong, but definitely do not tow this behind your car and drive around town! No part of this design are safe for towing behind a car at all! Don’t do it. It is crazy. 

2. Can this launch wheel be used in salt water. 

A: It is not recommended. As you see, the build material are mostly not rated for salt water or brackish water. If you must use your in ocean you should replace all materials with stainless parts. Only the 5/16 nuts and bolt are stainless in my material list

3. How difficult of this build? 

A: I will be frank with you that most of the build is just about cutting and sanding. It is not that difficult. The most difficult part for me is to measure and mark where to drill and mount these angle pieces on the transom. The way I do it is to use a cardboard to cut a template, tape it on the transom, partially assembly the pole and the brackets, then play with the location for these bracket. Check all the dimension, adjust and  make sure the wheels are cleared the tube. Then I drilled the holes and put everything together. With all the parts available it took me two/three hours to put everything together. That is not so bad. 

4. Can you mod the design to add a spring and notches to make it even easier to put the wheel up and down as on some of the expensive wheel kit? 

A: I think it is not that difficult to add these features to the design. But I have no plan to do it at this time. For one I like simple, clean, and reliable design. Using a pin to hold the wheels up and down is really not that difficult at all. Adding more parts is just adding more cost, more build time, and more possible points of failure. So simple is the best.

Tools used:

Angle Grinder + cutting disc- for cutting metal  https://amzn.to/2Mdidbd  https://amzn.to/2DeyN7s

Metal file – file down the sharp metals after cutting https://amzn.to/2FvxdR5

Wrenches: to install the bolt https://amzn.to/2W0SIOX

Ratchet with sockets: to install the bolt https://amzn.to/2MdXTGG

Drill with bit: Drill holes to transom for installation https://amzn.to/2Dfq05p

Step Bit: to enlarge hole for axel installation https://amzn.to/2DaWJsq

Material:

Qty2: 10 in. Pneumatic Tire on White Wheels https://amzn.to/2Mbr5xP

Qty 1: 1-1/4 in. x 36 in. Zinc-Plated Punched Square Tube https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-1-4-in-x-36-in-Zinc-Plated-Punched-Square-Tube-803047/206939537  (cut to two 18” pieces)

Qty1: 1-1/2 in. x 14-Gauge x 48 in. Zinc-Plated Slotted Angle https://www.homedepot.com/p/Crown-Bolt-1-1-2-in-x-14-Gauge-x-48-in-Zinc-Plated-Slotted-Angle-802417/204225778  (cut to four 7-1/2” pieces as mounting brackets)

Qty 2: 5/8” 4in Hex bolt (use as wheel axels)

Qty 2: 5/8” lock nuts

Qty 2: 5/8” washers

Qty 8: 5/16-18 1-1/2in stainless Hex bolts

Qty 2: 5/16-18 2in stainless Hex bolts

Qty 10: 5/16-18 nuts

Qty 10: 5/16 lock washers

Qty 2: 1/4 in. x 2 in pins

DAP Alex Plus White Acrylic Latex Caulk Plus Silicone https://www.homedepot.com/p/DAP-Alex-Plus-10-1-oz-White-Acrylic-Latex-Caulk-Plus-Silicone-18103/100097524

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