Hoist system for small boat stacker

Abstract

Storage space in sport and competitive rowing sheds is limited. The use of racking is common to improve the utilisation of available floor space. This project aims to develop a hoisting system suitable for the vertical storage of the small boats (tinnies) that are used for coaching and other functions in the sport. A search of available boat hoists revealed numerous manufactures and designs mainly in the United States. It seems the American people use boat hoists in the same way as we use boat trailers in Australia. These existing hoist products are used for out of water storage of small boats and are usually mounted lake side or attached to a wharf structure. None of the hoists located are capable of storing more than one boat vertically. A new type of hoist will be required. Due to the time available for the design work this project has focused on researching hoist requirements and design and is restricted to the hoisting system. The hoisting system is an integral part of the overall hoist structure therefore some preliminary design work of the hoist structure has also be undertaken. Additional work to be completed before prototype fabrication is the design of the lifting arm guides and bearing assemblies and the design of the hoist frame structure. Firm commercial interest exists in this product and for other storage solutions based upon this hoist.