Docking Arms

Limecc · 13 September 2020, 08:57

I would like to make some docking arms for the trailer to assist loading in difficult conditions. I looked at the ready-made ones and did a double take at the price. I think I can make something better customised the way I want and it would be way cheaper.

Initially I thought about using steel channel and getting it galvanized, but I found some aluminium channel that could work instead. How would this withstand repeated dunkings and would there be electrolytic corrosion with the galvanised finish of the trailer? This is only for the horizontal section.

ribber · 13 September 2020, 14:38

How about normal galvanised scaffolding tube and swivel connections. You can then swivel them down when not in use.

Perhaps find smaller diameter galvanised tube and smaller fittings.

Just a quick search

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Swivel-Scaff.../dp/B07GZL7QLJ

jeffstevens763@g · 13 September 2020, 19:00

I made some using key lock handrail all galve look up the metal store for the bits not expensive I also put plastic pipe over them to act as a roller

Limecc · 13 September 2020, 23:12

Good ideas gents thanks
Jeff do you have a pic please?

Nasher · 14 September 2020, 07:11

I went with steel on mine, mainly because I could source and weld the material myself.

https://www.rib.net/forum/f49/guide-posts-56409.html

Nasher

jeffstevens763@g · 14 September 2020, 09:51

here you go

Limecc · 14 September 2020, 17:59

Very nice Jeff thank you.
Inclined toward Nasher's idea though because the new boat has a huge beam and they would present a towing hazard. I'm going to have to remove them after each use.

gtflash · 23 September 2020, 19:43

How bigs your boat and what’s your budget? I have sbs docking arms. Discarded in back garden for 10 years but no doubt ok

Limecc · 23 September 2020, 20:19

Kind offer gtflash, not sure I've seen those sbs arms.
It's a Ranieri 15, not long but a foot wider than our Mercury RIB. Here's a pic of it sitting on the trailer.
I don't know what the budget should be, finding a solution that looks right and works is priority. The ones I saw for sale already were overpriced and inspired me to make something better.

Old seahorse · 23 September 2020, 22:32

Hi Limecc. I had a Quicksilver of similar size to your Ranieri. Recovery in a crosswind was a challenge. After my first season, I bought floatem poles. I thought about d.i.y solution, but my skills do not match others here! Hi They are Made of alloy, and we’re straight forward to fit. It made life much easier ( but needed to pull fenders in to clear the poles, if I had tied up to a pontoon before recovery).
The foam covering to rollers give some protection in tight manoeuvres of the trailer, and assist a great deal in reversing to the water when recovering, when aligning the trailer, and as the foam liners float, remain visible in the water. I never regretted buying them. After 10 seasons, they were as good as new, other than covers which were a bit faded.

Limecc · 23 September 2020, 23:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old seahorse

After my first season, I bought floatem poles.

Thanks for the tip I'd never heard of that name and it happens they are the same as sold by SBS so I'll wait for gtflash to get back and make a decision.

beerbelly · 24 September 2020, 06:44

my trailer had floatem poles fitted by the previous owner and as said they work well the covers do fade but are easily changed for new ones as i have just fitted new covers to mine

gtflash · 24 September 2020, 15:01

This is my old ones. They came bare galvanised but I slipped some pipe over they top. Worked great on 21ft regal.

I’ll have a think about a price. I suspect it can be cheaper than you can buy or build.

gtflash · 24 September 2020, 15:17

Pic this time

gtflash · 07 October 2020, 09:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limecc

Thanks for the tip I'd never heard of that name and it happens they are the same as sold by SBS so I'll wait for gtflash to get back and make a decision.

Sorry been unwell. I will dig out the bits and get a picture over next week or two and you can let me know if you are interested.

Limecc · 07 October 2020, 10:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtflash

Sorry been unwell. I will dig out the bits and get a picture over next week or two and you can let me know if you are interested.

Great thanks I am.

gtflash · 11 October 2020, 21:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limecc

Great thanks I am.

Hi. Sent my step dad to check them out. He can’t find brackets but the cross beam with telescopic ends and poles are there. A little Tatty, but I am not greedy about a price. Make me a low offer if they are of interest. Won’t be offended if they are not of use.

Limecc · 11 October 2020, 22:33

PM sent