https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg39RjcIX_s&list=UU20SgxuthVi6uIbuGCGKMsw
I recently built a sailboat that's 4 ft tall that actually sails using 2 servos for rudder/sail controls. The problem in Virginia is the ponds are shallow along the shore and you have to get your feet muddy trying to launch the sailboat because the keel is really long and it needs deep water to float.
So I researched what the 1:1 sailboaters do to launch and I came across a lot of marine railways with specially designed trains to carry the boats into the water. That's what I needed, I thought.
So using my Marquette stick welder, I welded bedframe rails together. I welded bolts on the underside so it can come apart in 2 sections for greater portability; then laid down tracks (ties held by gorilla glue). I then stick welded up a "cradle care" to haul the sailboat. I made it entirely of steel so it wouldn't float away during launch. I was going to use my SB9A lathe to turn some wheels but then found these sliding door wheels to use instead; plus they have steel bearings so they roll nice.
I then used a salvaged motor/gearbox and attached a 9.6 v batter to it, some twine as well and tested it. It eased the cradle car down OK but didn't have enough power to pull it back up the test slope (the cradle car is around 10 lb.). So I added 2 pulleys and that increased the mechanical efficiency enough to pull it up the track, albeit very slowly.
It's not yet finished as the pulleys were just clamped down and I hand-held the motor/gearbox/battery. Those need to be housed at the top of the track.
So now I don't need to risk my life with quicksand at the water's edge, water moccassins coming at me or alligators, leeches, etc
btw, the hatch for the sailboats stays on using rare earth magnets; just thought I'd throw those 2 photos in; the sailboat was cut from plywood
I recently built a sailboat that's 4 ft tall that actually sails using 2 servos for rudder/sail controls. The problem in Virginia is the ponds are shallow along the shore and you have to get your feet muddy trying to launch the sailboat because the keel is really long and it needs deep water to float.
So I researched what the 1:1 sailboaters do to launch and I came across a lot of marine railways with specially designed trains to carry the boats into the water. That's what I needed, I thought.
So using my Marquette stick welder, I welded bedframe rails together. I welded bolts on the underside so it can come apart in 2 sections for greater portability; then laid down tracks (ties held by gorilla glue). I then stick welded up a "cradle care" to haul the sailboat. I made it entirely of steel so it wouldn't float away during launch. I was going to use my SB9A lathe to turn some wheels but then found these sliding door wheels to use instead; plus they have steel bearings so they roll nice.
I then used a salvaged motor/gearbox and attached a 9.6 v batter to it, some twine as well and tested it. It eased the cradle car down OK but didn't have enough power to pull it back up the test slope (the cradle car is around 10 lb.). So I added 2 pulleys and that increased the mechanical efficiency enough to pull it up the track, albeit very slowly.
It's not yet finished as the pulleys were just clamped down and I hand-held the motor/gearbox/battery. Those need to be housed at the top of the track.
So now I don't need to risk my life with quicksand at the water's edge, water moccassins coming at me or alligators, leeches, etc
btw, the hatch for the sailboats stays on using rare earth magnets; just thought I'd throw those 2 photos in; the sailboat was cut from plywood 
![ATT29258[1].jpg](https://www.hobby-machinist.com/data/attachments/36/36423-bcda842ed66ab4ba00f5eb5ec289ab60.jpg?hash=vNqELtZqtL "ATT29258[1].jpg")
), slipways the cradle doesnt have the cross pieces across but rather length wise, if at all. That way the boat can be driven straight in to the cradle. The tall corner posts are usually just to fit springers to and as the cradle is hauled out the boat settles down onto shores. With your setup the cradle needs to sink deep enough for the keel to clear the cross pieces before you can sail away. Unless its easier to manouver your boat sideways?