Paul M

Beautiful work, but doesn't look cheap

monsterbrad

I have seen boats pushing boats sitting shiny side up
What about something for a capsized boat?

thevirginian

Guys, that's the whole idea about having a fork in front of my rescue boat. If the boat to rescue is up side down, the fork will catch it no matter what. Now, if you drag a tennisball on a string behind you and the rudder points at the sun then there is not much to wrap that string around at. But the fork will always catch the boat no matter which way is floats.
Paul M. Believe me it was not expensive at all. I have to admit it looks kinda pricey, but that's only because I got carried away at the end with the finish. It didn't need a handpainted USCG logo on its freeboad, it didn't need a handpolished deck that looks like mahagony or that cute wheelhouse. But that's just me. I have fun building nice stuff and make it look real.

KD0EM

Hey Virginian that recovery boat looks fantastic; you did a great job on this boat.
Harold

thevirginian

Thanks, Harold for your compliment. I am sure your project will turn out just as beautiful.

MaxCorvette

Hi Virginian,

This is the retrieval boat we use at the moment, a very heavy boat so we don't have problems with the big boats [2,33meter 4 engine cat].
We will make a new model that is lighter but this works for now.



Marcel

thevirginian

Wow, that's all I can say, Marcel. How big is that monster. If you push a 2.33m boat with this no matter what the position is, it must have some strong motors. I assume you push the rescueded boat sideways, most the time.

MaxCorvette

I know it's a bit of overkill.

It's only 80cm long, but weighs 22Kg!! and it is called 'BoatZilla'
Problem was we had to add a bit of lead because it was sitting to high in the water...
Next version will be much lighter and a cat like ferrie model that goes a bit faster.
It has 2x Robbe Power 1000 motors so plenty of torque for a big cat full of water.



The reason it's so sturdy is that it has to be 'b a s t a r d proof' because sometimes the other boaters won't stop driving their boats and this rescue boat has to be crash resistant.
They will only damage their own boat if they hit it

Marcel

thevirginian

Man, you guys must have some weird rules In our club nobody is allowed to launch if a rescue mission is on its way. But I like the idea of having a "bulletproof" rescue boat, though.

4X4FABGUY

Hi guys, theres some nice fetch boats here but heres a little different idea on building a cheap retrieval boat. I like to use a small 8 ft plastic boat to get dead or flipped boats. It makes it real easy to get partially submerged boats and floating parts. And I carry a powerful magnet on long string to fish for missing hardware that may find its way to the bottom, like a broken flex shaft with that expensive prop still on. I can also paddle out to look for and remove any floating debris in our boating area. But these small row boats are expensive and mine is on loan, so since the owner will want it back eventually I have been exploring cheaper alternatives. I found free plans for several choices of small single person boats all made from one single 4x 8 ft sheet of plywood. Some of the boats would be well suited for our needs. If theres any interest maybe we could agree on a design and start a build thread for one. I have looked at the instructions for some and they seen very simple and easy to follow. They are very complete with step by step photos and a list of the tools and materials needed. With the skills most of the folks have here I think most of us could build one easily. Some look like they could be transported on top of even the smallest import cars. Check out this link or search for one sheet boat plans to see our options. My first choice would be the simbo, looks like the easiest and fastest build. It might make a good winter project for some of us. Mike M http://www.gsahv.pp.fi/#XX1

thevirginian

Can you post something that would excite our interest?

4X4FABGUY

Hi virginian, Sorry if I am a little slow but I am not sure what you mean by that. That was my intention with the idea and the link. I just wanted to provide another option for people to look into. Mike M

monsterbrad

Are you going to sell that when you build your next one cause I would like to have that one?

thevirginian

Hey 4X4;
I was refering to pictures or plans. But never mind, I already checked out that link in your post. I have to say it's not a bad idea of yours. Only problem: No matter how small a boat, it's still cumbersome and bulky, especially for one person. But still I like the idea in general.

bentley marshall

could use one of these http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3Jms...eature=related

powerroller

Cool...Up the speed,gun rack,and your about gator proof..

Honestly,there in almost every pond down here..

bentley marshall

we dont have that prob here in new zealand

tanker69

hi,im new so pay me no mind,been doing alot of reasearch and thought of a pvc pipe boat almost like that but i want to make it a airboat powered rescue nothing in the way to hit the down boat