"Bill Daniels" wrote in message
news:wD8gd.22588$R05.18302@attbi_s53...

"Steve Hill" wrote in message
...

How much does a really nice Winch cost?? And where do you buy one, and
how
much real estate do you need to get a 1500 ft agl launch??


I'd really like to see what the actual costs are for a club to purchase
a
good winch.



Steve.

Used Tost winches are going for $3500 in Germany. I have no idea what the
shipping would be.

4000 feet of runway will get you 1500 feet AGL. With lightweight
synthetic
cable and a little wind, you can get higher. More runway will get you
still
higher.

If you do a spreadsheet of costs and revenue, you find that even an
expensive winch pays for itself in a very short time. Thereafter, it is a
"money printing machine" that will fund a new glider every year or so.
Figure a cost of $2 per launch and charge $6 to $10.

There's a lot of good information at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/winchdesign/

Bill Daniels

This, of course, begs certain assumptions on the size of the operation,
available gliders, ability to scale the operation, and soaring conditions
(good soaring may mean many less launches, training is higly encouraged).
There is one case that indicates that the economics will help drive the size
also. ROI may be somewhat unpredictable. With a winch you may be able to
operate in places where aerotowing might be highly objectionable.

Frank Whiteley