Alternative to Beachmaster wheels

[Max...]

My DIY wheels are still working great many years on!

https://www.rib.net/forum/f50/making...els-68175.html

[tinker]

Originally Posted by Max...

My DIY wheels are still working great many years on!

https://www.rib.net/forum/f50/making...els-68175.html

I have the original bombard wheels on my aerotec, there a pain to put back on with pneumatic wheels , I have to fight the buoyancy, I have now acquired some golf trolley wheels to try.

Had some similar to your DIY ones a few years ago on zodiac, easier to use even with pneumatic wheels.

[Croolis]

I just bought some umm wotsit - Vevor or something from bay of E, about £65. I did a good bit of research about making my own but ended up deciding that, though the box section I would have made would have been stainless rather than ally alloy that these Vevors have, I couldn't have made it any cheaper than £65 and without all the hassle.

I've used the Vevors once, they are fine for now at least. I'm unlikely to ever go bigger than 6hp on this boat (2.5hp now) or load it shockingly. I guess the surface you trailer on is the big killer if the weight's not bad.

I have to take them off when we're afloat, get in the way of the engine too much. Bit of a pain putting them back on when wanting to land but could be worse.

[Max...]

I would not bother with SS - a total PITA to machine, cut, drill. HD (3mm) 'U' section alu is super easy to work with and very strong.

[Tidework]

Originally Posted by Steve509926

Hi, I wouldn't be to concerned drilling through the pvc, I had to do so when I fitted the Beachmaster wheels to my SD360 - https://www.rib.net/forum/f50/beachm...ion-89002.html
Providing its a clean cut (new wood drill bit) you use decent size penny washers and seal the holes well (I now use CT1), you won't have a problem with water ingress.

Thanks Steve, my other question would be is there any room for a transducer to mount, The aerotec is small so looks like transom real estate is going to be limited

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by Tidework

Thanks Steve, my other question would be is there any room for a transducer to mount, The aerotec is small so looks like transom real estate is going to be limited

Honest answer is I don't know.

[Comberboy]

Hi I bought Rooster sailing non buoyancy wheels similar to Fenlander but in a rather fetching grey black that better suits the ‘Tec. I then screw to the rear of the transom whilst in the water using the original retaining screws which secured the wheel stays sufficiently during a trip whilst keeping enough room for the OB and flip up transducer. Works a treat
https://www.roostersailing.com/colle...roducts/106702

[Fenlander]

Oh no not more wheels for me to test... blue and orange versions too!!

What is the density of the tyre like... true rubber or something lighter? The yellow ones I have are a cross between rubber and a foam. They are OK for our use but much more weight and I reckon they would chew up. I know folks do grumble when on a builders barrow they hardly last more than a few weeks of hard use.

[Comberboy]

The wheels have the same rubberised foam so lightweight. Durability wise I’ve not tested so much as early in the season - hopefully it’ll stand up to beach stones and the like but the lack of buoyancy is such a boon !

[Nick Hearne]

Originally Posted by Blankton

Hi Nick. I see you are still a member. Do you have an update on this after 5 years. I was just looking at the fixing method you used, it looks very neat, but I was a bit worried about how robust it would be.

I am quite tempted by some of these knock-off wheels. I think they now do a knock-off quick release option, but your solution looks neater.

Hi the fixings are still going strong no problems with the insert nuts
The boat still gets a lot of use about 2 to 3 months a year!
The only problem I have had is the inner tubes are cheap and the valves on about 3 have just fallen out! Happened again this week and just ordered 2 more inner tubes, but I might try solid tyres!
The only bit that has worn is the aluminium spindle has worn down but still works.
Still very happy with the set up 👍

[Steve509926]

Hi Nick, by "spindle" are you referring to the axle?

[Nick Hearne]

Originally Posted by Steve509926

Hi Nick, by "spindle" are you referring to the axle?

Yes it’s a bit worn but not surprising

[Steve509926]

Good to know they have lasted. Only used mine a couple of times but I'm really impressed with them.

[Blankton]

Originally Posted by Nick Hearne

Hi the fixings are still going strong no problems with the insert nuts
The boat still gets a lot of use about 2 to 3 months a year!
The only problem I have had is the inner tubes are cheap and the valves on about 3 have just fallen out! Happened again this week and just ordered 2 more inner tubes, but I might try solid tyres!
The only bit that has worn is the aluminium spindle has worn down but still works.
Still very happy with the set up 👍

Thanks for the update. I have mine fitted now. Took a bit of fettling, but they seem good for the money. I've noticed that all of the bolts are only a2 stainless, not a4 stainless. I may upgrade these at some point. I've already changed the ones into the transom, as in my experience a2/304 stainless is rubbish in wood if any damp occurs.

[Jon B]

Do we know the difference between the original beach master wheels and the copies? Is there anything that warrants the extra cost?

[Trello]

Hi, Jon


This thread, from post #77 onwards, has some discussion on that very subject:


https://www.rib.net/forum/f50/beachm...ion-89002.html

Trello.

[Jon B]

Originally Posted by Trello

Hi, Jon


This thread, from post #77 onwards, has some discussion on that very subject:


https://www.rib.net/forum/f50/beachm...ion-89002.html

Trello.

Thanks Trello,

I had read that, I suppose better to have asked my question on that thread. But I wonder if there is something about the materials used to make the originals that warrants the price.

[lightning]

Well, l bought a set of "copy" beachmaster wheels at half the price of the originals from MidMarine (there's a fair few other suppliers selling what look like the same wheels) and they are great, they have the quick release mechanism and appear very well made.

l can't find anything wrong with them at all.

[User name]

Anyone have any links on where these Beachmaster copies can be bought currently? The OP link is dead now. Thanks.

[Steve509926]

https://shop.chastheboat.co.uk/produ...ease-option-mm