Launch vehicles
Hugh Bagshaw
Launch vehicles maintenance and Ramp Officer
Email: hbagshaw@aol.com  Tel: 01797 364640

During the clubs long history we have used many types of launch vehicles from Landrovers and farm tractors. 10 years ago we experimented with our own design, using an old Dumper Truck we removed the bucket and converted the hydraulics, and constructed what we call a nautilus arm, which provides a lifting and tilting facility. To over come the lack of weight at the front end we fill the tyres with anti freeze which provides sufficient weight and properly balances the vehicle. With tow hitches at the front and back it is possible on a busy day to retrieve two craft at once thus making them very efficient.

Over the years this design has become very popular particularly with craft getting bigger and more difficult to launch and retrieve. Our fishing section generally dry launches and retrieves its craft. PWC's tend to wet launch, however no matter who uses them is not advisable to submerge the vehicles in saltwater, if any damage is caused by ignoring our rules the costs are passed on the the relevant members. For any new members we will provide tuition so that you are competent to use these relatively simple to use vehicles.

Please see attached short video clips of the arm in use by clicking here.

The club also has a ramp clearance vehicle which is primarily used to keep the Slipway clear of gravel which builds up after big gales, in an emergency we use this as an additional launcher and retriever.

If you experience an problem whilst using this vehicle please contact me.

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