 Slinging RL24 | There was a thread quite some time ago on this topic but no answer was forthcoming ...
I have access to a suitable shed with adequate truss structure to sling an RL24Mk3. Would appreciate information regarding the station locations of suitably robust frames. Indeed, it might be useful to have more knowledge on the designs framing for modifications to trailer roller locations ?
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| Re: Slinging RL24 | John.
The best position for the straps would be under the very forward end of the plate case, and two meters forward of the transom, these positions are not critical as the bottom construction is quite strong enough. Keep in mind that if the front strap is further forward it will tend to slip toward the bow because of the shape of the boat, and make very sure your keel tackle is secure when lifting.
You will need bars the width of the boat at the lifting points to attach your straps to.
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| Re: Slinging RL24 | Thanks for that, Rob. I'll run the combination over the scales to calculate some approximate SWLs for the slings. I would be using keepers between the slings to avoid longitudinal surprises ..
I am intending to convert my trailer to a tandem to give a bit more "comfort" when towing longer distances. In addition, the present setup has the empty CG right on the axle which is not terribly desirable from a stability viewpoint.
While the keel is accepted as being a non-problem, do I need to get further information on frames to determine appropriate roller locations ?
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| Re: Slinging RL24 | John.
As long as you have the boat supported on at least five equally spaced rollers you should have no trouble, I think it is a good idear to have one roller under the centre of the keel case and let the keel rest on this when travelling,(as long as you dont forget to raise it before launching). It is important that you have the trailer at least 30 kg heavy on at the tow bar when towing, and important too to check that your wheels are exactly the same distance on each side from the tow ball.
There is no point in supporting the hull on the trailer further aft than than the trailer rules require, it only makes launching and retrieving more difficult.
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| Re: Slinging RL24 | Thanks again, Rob.
Final question relates to side support rollers .. location guidance for them would be appreciated ?
regards,
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| Re: Slinging RL24 | John.
I used to prefer side pads about 8oomm long and 50mm wide (covered with carpet) situated just aft of amidships, out near the turn of the bilge and shaped to the hull there, one side can be adjustable and lowered a little for launching. Rollers have so little bearing surface that they can distort the hull and put too much pressure in one place. A double guide on roller at the rear of the trailer that can be raised for launching is also a great help. The boat should be close to sliding off itself on the average boat ramp if set up well.
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| Re: Slinging RL24 | thanks, again, Rob ..
That was the answer I wanted ... my trailer has the side supports and they have been a presumed problem with launching .. I was toying with the idea of making them adjustable to suit at the expense of a bit of fiddling.
Re the adjustable double roller aft about where might you see that best located ? (typical distance from the aftmost trailer frame .. my trailer appears to be very similar to the design on this site albeit that I haven't got around to comparing the dimensions).
I would love to get to the stage where the boat just slides off .. at present it is an effort unless the trailer is near submerged .. probably the refurb project will make a lot of problems go away ..
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| Re: Slinging RL24 | John.
You are on the right track, if you can lower one of your side pads a little, and your rollers are in good condition you should have no trouble launching. A double piviting roller at the rear of the trailer is a big help, that is where the whole weight of the boat rests when it is half off, and naturally the boat will be much easier to winch on.
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| Re: Slinging RL24 | Thanks for all the advice, Rob .. not many places where one can pick the brains of the head man so readily and willingly.
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| Re: Slinging RL24 | John, there is different opinions regarding how to get a yacht to roll off the trailer.
My advise is to lubricate the spindles on the center rollers to reduce friction. I used simple cooking spray on the spindles spraying more on each side of the rollers before retrieving the yacht. Its possible to spray with the yacht on the trailer but I am a bit lazy and do it when its easiest.
Recently I have moved to using motorcycle chain wax which is perhaps better suited to use with the rubber. The brand I use is Bel Ray and it sprays on as a light liquid and dries to a hard wax. The stuff is great for the override coupling and just about anything else on the trailer.
Beware that the hull will slide off a lot quicker and once going stopping it is not so easy. A long bow line or tying a long stern line to the jetty is wise.
Winching gets a lot easier as well without the friction.
When launching with lubed rollers, just back the trailer until the axle is just above the water, tilt and lift the bow high and it should do the rest without hassle.
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| Re: Slinging RL24 | Thanks, Greg .... any improvement on the present situation will be a move forward ... new rollers all round etc will go a long way.
The lube info noted, with thanks.
regards,
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| Re: Slinging RL24 | Thanks for the tip about which lube to use, my son races a mototbike so for a change I can steel his stuff.
Martyn
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