Making a rescue sled for a waverunner?

Kodiak · Since 01 Aug 2005 1114 Posts Slidey

Nak,
I would be a bit nervous about towing a sled behind my ski while rescuing kiters. Just one more thing for lines to get wrapped up on....
Jim

Vankiter · Since 24 Jun 2007 34 Posts Canvouver

gorgebob · Since 25 Jun 2007 259 Posts Portland, OR Shop Owner

Nak how about a supersoft surfboard . Flexy, padded and fairly cheap. I get you a photo and price later.

Nak · Fri Jun 12, 09 7:50 am

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2026 Posts Windward

encapsulated dock float
cut it in half
throw a mattress on the top Cool

if you can't afford a nice one Laughing

Nak · Fri Jun 12, 09 10:59 am

Here's an "Aqua Trailer" by Sevlor

Got this thing for $9 on Ebay. ($30 shipping) Very Happy

Just took it out on the lake for a test spin. I did not hook it up like a tow toy like they suggest. I hooked it up like a rescue sled instead. Seemed to work pretty well. I want to add some bungees to the sides--3 point attachment-- so it will be a bit more stable in rough water. (Again, like a rescue sled...)

I had a 136 board & two kites, a 19m and a 15m. Not even close to loading it up. I'm guessing I could put 3 or 4 boards + 4 0r 5 kites and maybe a cooler in the thing. Very Happy

So until I build a sled, this should carry my gear to the beach.

I wouldn't want to go near serious swell with this thing. I think with the bungees I could take it anywhere I really needed to go though...

If you want one, get one soon. They've stopped making them. Original price was too high probably, but the closeout price on Amazon is less than $70, with shipping!!

http://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Trailer-ATC250-Sevylor/dp/B001MSFZV8

splaterwin · Since 17 Nov 2005 165 Posts Vancouver Stoked

Great idea, got mine on order. Thanks Very Happy

softboard · Since 18 Jul 2009 1 Posts New Member

I did try and liked this sled rescue[/img]

They have brand new for U$ 600 and either cheap used.
pipeline.us@hotmail.com

wyndjunkie · Since 23 Jan 2008 4 Posts cheney wa Kook

we played with jet skis and sleds for a rescue vehicle out east(roosevelt) quite a bit for many years... and discovered that a small 14 ft jet boat was just as nimble and had way more space for stuff, and kite rescue is a breeze up to about 40mph winds. then it gets pretty hairy but is still doable. we are on our second jet boat because we left the first one in the water and sun for 4 seasons straight and sun can do some amazing things to fabric...
you can get older seadoo jet boats in great shape for under 5 grand I bought my last one, 1998 twin engine 200 horse 14ft with only 30 hours on it for 4700.00 and when its a no wind day we can carry 5 comfortably and ski and wake... and its only 1300 lbs so its no more trouble to lug around than a jet ski.
these are images of my new boat from last year hopefully they show up[img][/img]

Nak · Sun Jul 26, 09 7:38 am

Nice ride!

How is it in really heavy swell? I'd be a little afraid to take it in some of the big stuff, or is that just my inexperience with that type of boat talking? Nice thing about a 'ski is you can take a wall of water over your head and keep going. Very Happy

All that said, looks pretty nice. I'm sure for 95% of what we might do that's probably better than a 'ski. I really prefer taking my boat over a ski most places... On the other hand I'm sure I'd sink my boat (18' Bayliner) if I tried taking it from Stevenson to Hood river on a good wind day.

I've got a design in my head figured out to make a rescue sled. I'm thinking it will come in under $200. Once I get all of the parts rounded up I'll start construction. I'll post pics here. 2.2 pound Polyethylene core and an HDPE bottom.

A note on the raft above: You REALLY have to sew on nylon straps to make a 3 point attachment to the ski. Otherwise it can flip. Just take the cover and some straps in to a cobbler. Not sure if Mark (Dangler) or Airtime can sew through Nylon webbing? Once you have the straps on, use bungee cords to connect the straps to the stern eyes on the ski. There should be some tension on the bungee when the ski is at rest, but there needs to be give left too.

KidCorporate · Since 10 Jul 2007 563 Posts Addicted

stevegriffith22 · Since 14 May 2006 434 Posts Obsessed

Has anyone figured out a alternative?

west · Since 09 Oct 2008 136 Posts Lake Michigan Stoked

Nak, you got a good project goin, Iâ€™ve been following the thread to see your approach. Now that I see the direction you are heading, I have a few suggestions.

I agree w scrapping the plywood idea, heavy and not flexible...if using HDPE for base, Starboard would be my choice, it is marine grade and should work well for your project. (McMaster-Carr Supply Company), prob two day mail order for you. The HDPE also gives good support for your handle or rope system on bottom. Maybe you could use grommets or large plastic washers on top side.

2 part Epoxy resin would be my call, I personally swear by Resin Research due to its superior attributes; but West System or Fiberglass Hawaii would work fine as well. Iâ€™d stick to surfboard epoxy resins. Fiberglass Supply, out of Burlington, WA.

When laminating HDPE to foam, Iâ€™m thinking 4oz fiberglass, not just HDPE directly to foam....of extreme importance, using West System 404 Adhesive filler mixed to a thin spreadable consistency to enhance this bond. The HDPE needs to be prepped properly: rough sanded on lamination side, lightly â€œflamedâ€ with torch, 404 mix thinly spread, layer of 4 oz â€œwetted outâ€, tape and weight down till cured.

For additional strength, if you decide. An easy and very effective method for adding a stringer or 3, would be to cut foam lengthwise and to wrap the sections of foam with unidirectional carbon strips (lengthwise) so they extend an inch or so on top and bottom of foam core, using 3M super 77 to temporarily adhere. When sections are put back together, this will create carbon stringers, in essence a carbon â€œIâ€ beam.

Iâ€™d be glad to send you some unidirectional carbon and some 404 if youâ€™d like. No charge, I got some in shop. Kewl to see someone constructing their own shiz! Rock on and good luck, youâ€™ve got the concept down, now for the FUN!! .....ALWAYS wear respirator for sanding and laminating, even on small projects. Peace

west · Since 09 Oct 2008 136 Posts Lake Michigan Stoked

NSI May have a sheet of cushioned foam for top if necessary or desired...not sure your idea on top...

Nak · Thu Jul 11, 19 5:42 pm

Thanks for the ideas West! Unfortunately, I sold my Waverunner about 9 years ago. Your ideas might help someone else though! Very Happy