There have been a number of discussions about side garages and tender launching. I clicked a link to Nautical Structures.. lo and behold a rather interesting article that goes in to how these things actually work. Also a couple of good photos of the tender launch process on Delta's Triton. http://www.nautical-structures.com/images/whatsnew/TritonCranes-July2004.pdf
That's a pretty cool article. I would like to have a look at the Linear winch they keep refering to. I am supposing they mean that the drum tracks for precise control of fleet angle as the cable spools on and off. Sounds like a cool machine.
Trekker launching system for the prof's not news, but for the interested people: http://www.trekkeryachts.com/innovhilites.html G.
Shoot them a note. They seem to be justifiably proud of their work and not afraid of exposing the nitty gritty of how they do things.
Linear Winch Put in laymans terms imagine a block and tackle attached to a hydrolic ram. As the ram actuates the line is winched in or out. Not the most productive way of using power but the advantage the system that there is no way that you can have an over-run or crush the cable which can happen with a regular spool.
