Modern Buddy

Hi,

I'm getting ready to take a year long cruise on a small diesel trawler and will bring along my Buddy 125 for shore transportation. I plan to use the trawler's mast and boom to hoist the Buddy from the dock to the aft deck of the trawler where I will secure it with a wheel chock and straps. My questions are:

1.) Any advise on rigging straps or lines on the Buddy to hoist it up in the air?

2.) I was planning on mounting a Pingel wheel chock to the deck to secure the Buddy's front tire, much like what would be done on a transport trailer.

http://www.pingelonline.com/wheel-chock ... -3-1-2.asp

I'm focusing on the Pingel because it seems simple and sturdy, and most importantly is chrome plated which should help in the marine environment. Any opinions on this chock?

Thanks,
Lee

How about mounting the chock to something which would then be attached to your hoist lines, say at all four corners, then that itself would be secured to the boat's deck.

I'm thinking like the previous responder. I would weld up a frame made of structural steel channel, maybe 5 inch or 6 inch wide, in the shape of most likely an I or H . Attach four lifting eyes to hoist it with, and another two (minimally) or four eyes in a few more inches to tie the scooter down, as well as some sort of wheel chock. This way, you can make a safe 4 point pick without trying to lift directly on the scooter itself. If weight is a concern, this could be made with the same components using aluminum.

What about a scooter truck hitch? I mean its tabbed already, with some rigging should be quick and easy!

https://www.google.com/search?q=scooter ... 01&bih=962

Just a though...

We have suspended a Buddy 125 from the rafters in the garage so we could move the lift to another bike. X'ed the grips and went thru the rear rack but it was pretty sketchy. Still do it, we are slow learners. Have also "suspended" rocket bikes by X'ing the grips and using the rear passenger peg mounts. If you use the oversized front rotor on a Buddy most all wheel chocks come VERY close, so keep that in mind. I like the idea that Kook posted the best so far.

Thanks to everyone for the ideas/suggestions. The "roll on a platform and hoist" idea and varients sound especially easy to load once the fabrication is done. However, while the Buddy will fit on the deck area, there is camber to the deck surface which would complicate the fabrication by requiring quite a bit a blocking for the flat platform. Also, there are quite a few obstructions on the deck such as station bases, mast supports, hatches, etc. that would be difficult to fit a platform around. The two points of contact represented by the Buddy's tires eliminates these potential complications.

Scooter's advise on hoisting may adapt to what I'm trying to do. I think I know what you mean about X'ing the gripes, but could you elaborate?

Thanks again to all. Even when an suggestion is not suitable it provokes thought and alerts to potential problems in my working theory.

Sounds like you are getting some workable suggestions. I want to post to say; "Wow, that sounds like a fantastic adventure"! I would sooo like to be you!! How about blogging this trip so we can jealously follow along? Or at least make regular posts here to let us know where you are and what you are seeing. Pleeeezz!

Just like hooking up trailer safety chains, you cross them. We hang the left grip from the right strap, and the right grip form the left strap, helps keep it centered. I do not know how to post pics, but we had a Zuma 50cc hanging for awhile. Another option would be a Diblasi compact scooter or a Honda CT70. I had 2 Dahon Mariner bicycles that I got from a yacht owner for a killer deal, but my sister got rid of them due to space.

No personal experience with the Pingell chock, though my guess would be that the thin chrome plating would not hold up in saltwater. I really like the Condor scooter chock (SCC 4000). It actually clamps the front wheel, is adjustable, and it is coated with a thick baked on finish.

http://www.condor-lift.com/