Transom wheels for Aerotec

[HET]

Hi,

I have just bought a Bombard Aerotec 380 but it doesn't come with transom wheels.

As far as I can read here, I have two choices. Either the original Zodiac wheels made for the boat or the Trem 180kg wheels.

Which would you recommend for this boat? It will be equipped with a 15 hp 2 stroke and will primarily be launched over beaches (sand and pepples).

Thanks,

Helge

[Fenlander]

There is a major difference you must decide on. The Zodiac transom wheels do not hinge up. The Trem ones do.

[HET]

Aha. So the Zodiac wheels can't be turned up side down and fixed at the transom when in the water?

[Fenlander]

Yes they can but you have to unscrew them, take off and then screw back on again upside down at an angle. Quite fiddly on the water and easy to drop a bolt in the sea. They look very big in their upside down mode and there is a greater risk the screw will loosen and one fall off which you might not notice over the outboard noise... it has happened to someone here.

Here is an image of them in the up position...

http://www.drijfsijs.nl/2011_02_12/i..._launching.jpg

The Trem ones are neater in the up position and constantly attached as you swing them up.

[chipko]

Agree totally with Fenlanders comments/advice as always.
We had a set of the genuine Zodiac Z61110 transom wheels on our Aerotec with 20hp four stroke. Observations as below;
Good quality but very, very expensive.
No need to drill any extra holes in transom as buttons and top hole already fitted by manufacturer.
Immensely strong/rigid and loads of ground clearance.
Large puncture proof tyres.
Do not hinge up but can be manually refixed in splayed upright position when underway. Fiddly with risk of losing bolts.
If cost not a problem and accept rather fiddly to use then in my opinion these are the best wheels for the Aerotec.

[Fenlander]

I would say that I have moved away from the Zodiac wheels (as in Chipko's image) to the Trems folding type... and now after thinking through how we use the SIB gone back to the genuine Zodiacs.

We always now launch within easy reach of car or holiday home so no trouble to walk a couple of minutes back with the Zodiac wheels. I do not like the look or weight of them in the up position on the transom.

For an absolute emergency where we couldn't drag the SIB out of the water and were apart from out wheels we carry two inflatable rollers as advised by Gurnard... they are brilliant having little weight and taking up no room when packed.

[HET]

Ok. Thanks a lot. I think I will go with the Trem wheels since I don't want to fiddle with the bolts, etc. Also, I would like to have the wheels with me while on the water.