Re: [Paddlewise] How much is Alex lifting? (was: Kayak Trailers)

From: Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com>
Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2003 14:54:30 -0800
"al.m" <al.m_at_3web.net> wrote:

>> What I can't figure out, is how much weight I'm lifting at
the stern, when the bow is already on the bar.  Should be a little less
then full 58 lbs, but more than half-weight, >>

You're correct -- but it depends heavily on the angle.  If you do a vector
analysis of the forces, you will find out that if the kayak is perpendicular
to the ground as you pick upthe stern (an unreasonable case), then you are
lifting all of its weight.  If the kayak is horizontal to the ground, then
you are lifting with a force equal to 50% of its weight (also not the case
at the ground, but the case when you are ready to slide the stern onto the
rack).

In between those angles (90 degrees and 0 degeees), the force decreases from
100% to 50%.  If you start with the kayak at about a 30 degree angle, then
the lifting force is pretty close to 60-70% of the kayak's weight.  A better
deal than lifting the whole thing, but not half of the whole kayak's weight

To check this, put a spring scale in the system and measure the lifting
force when the stern is on the ground, and watch the force needed to keep
the kayak in equilibrium as you move on up.

--
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR

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Received on Sat Mar 08 2003 - 14:54:36 PST

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