John. Cant remember a specific thread as such being on the forum. various devices for launching have been mooted.. cradles made out of copper tube and such. Some clubs have a little ship-lift crane. A rope sling, one at either end (or a large car fan belt etc) and two people is the commonest device I should think.

A box specific for the boat is the most secure way of transporting your model. Ensures no detail is knocked off when manhandling to and from the pond/car whatever. Easily made out of harboard/mdf/thin ply. Doesnt have to be a work of art. Use thin neoprene or other closed cell foam to protect the hull at the sitting points and at the sharp and blunt end, with felt on top to stop the foam sticking to the paint,The added advbntage is that they will stack one on top of the other and so this can compact the "collection" and take up a lesser amount of space at home.

In preparation to attend a show (unfortunately one I now cant do as a gig for the band has come our way) I recently boxed up virtually all my models, boxes made from 3mmbMDF, Gorilla glue , 1/2" wood battens at the corners and hinged tops (open on one side, my boxes so you can see the model when on the shelf)

Ashley

There you go John, Bob the builder and Duckie launching his Jeanie Deans on a cold winters morning with straps I made from nylon luggage straps, need a bit of lead on the bottom so the straps sink below the boat.

Cant get a bigger test than that can you!, with all that lead on "Abell keel weight" idea on the bottom of the boat, cant see you launching that any other way.

Duckie

John

May 2012 MB, Page 7 had a couple of pictures and brief description of a boat launching cradle mde from standard copper plumbing tube. If you are a subscriber then you can access back issues for free.

I made a very similar launching cradle in 1997 and it is still giving perfect service.

Paul Freshney, Editor.