R/C boat launching pier

[mickelsen]

Hi all,
I am going to be moving soon into a new section of a planned community. This community has, among many other facilities, a lake which is being constucted along with the community. The section of the lake which is closest to my new home is not yet finished and I am going to suggest that they include a model boat launching pier when they complete it. I'm talking about the type that reminds me of a baseball dugout. It is made of cement and dug down two to four feet below the level of the water so you can go down in it and launch your boat (or submarine) without having to lean over and strain your back. I am looking for pictures, drawings and/or plans for this type of facility to include in my proposal so that people can understand what I'm talking about. They are building all sorts of other facilities around this lake so I think I might have a shot if I can explain it well enough. Can anyone point me in the right direction to find materials to help me with my proposal?

Thanks,
Mark

[LtDoc]

Mark,
I think you will find that a 'below water level' sort of thing will be very difficult to keep dry, if possible at all. It would certainly be handy! Just not too practical in general.
- 'Doc

PS - Does that 'planned community' accept charity cases? Sounds like someplace I'd like to live!

[patmat2350]

Once you look at the costs of such a structure, I think a fixed or floating dock with a small counterbalanced crane will start to look good!

PM

ps: and with a well, you'll still need to bend over and lift them UP!

[mickelsen]

The facility would have a cement wall that is about a foot above water level and you can lean over it to launch your boats. Behind the wall is dug down about two to four feet so that you can stand up while reaching over the wall to launch your boat. You have a drain at the bottom since water does splash in but still, it's a lot better than having to wade out far enough to launch the boat or kneeling down on a regular dock. Gets hard on the knees. I believe that someone told me that they have one of these set up at the flycasting ponds in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. Anyway, people have done this before and I would like to do it again.

Thanks,
Mark

[patmat2350]

Not just splash, but rain and leaves etc. Needs a good sized drain to a storm sewer that doesn't clog easily. Can walls and floor be poured at the same time to avoid a leaky joint? Also needs to be heavy enough, or well enough anchored, to avoid floating.
Hopefully there's a civil engineer working on the project who can be consulted?

[patmat2350]

Been looking for images of the wells at GGP, can only find shots like these- no wells shown.
PM

http://www.speyorama.com/gallery.htm

[boater_5026]

Here is a idea for launching your boats without having to lean over and strain your back.

[der kapitan]

Not just splash, but rain and leaves etc. Needs a good sized drain to a storm sewer that doesn't clog easily. Can walls and floor be poured at the same time to avoid a leaky joint? Also needs to be heavy enough, or well enough anchored, to avoid floating.
Hopefully there's a civil engineer working on the project who can be consulted?
Not to spew sour grapes Pat, but you essentially outlined all of the things that would have to be considered in building something like this. ;)

Beside these pratfalls, consider environmental issues, liability insurance, cost, etc., and a regular dock begins to look good---. :D

[der kapitan]

Here is a idea for launching your boats without having to lean over and strain your back.
Boater, that's a good idea that has been around for a long time. :)

The ones I've seen usually have a carry bar across the top, and are nothing more than a piece of wood, and some old seatbelts from a junkyard---. ;)

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

Several of our club membes used to talk about the same thing.
However there aren't many property owners or developers that allow you to
dig around their ponds, or are willing to spend the money for modelers.

The best we got from the city of Tualatin was a ten foot curb at "deep" water for launching boats. And the Sailboats still have to launch from the opposite side of the pond.

Takahashi Youichi has the advantage of launching over a spillway during the dry season.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=295538

Take full advantage of any talks you can have with the developer.
It is rare to have someone build facilities for the hobby these days.
Good luck with your proposal.

[jerryj98501]

The model boat site at Monterey Park, Aukland, NZ is either raised or has a dropped down area for spectators or model launchers. Dick Hopper might have additional information. Attached is a picture of the site. Jerry J.

[mickelsen]

Here is an idea of what I'm talking about:

http://s181686668.onlinehome.us/phpBB2/messageboards.php5

Click on the 'General' topics and then click on my thread for 'Model Boat Launching Pier' to see the facility in Golden Gate Park.

Warm regards,
Mark