Pot Launcher

ere are screenshots of the next key mechanical model I've created for the F/V Scully, the pot launcher.

This is a major component of any crab fishing vessel. The hydraulic launcher is a powerful piece of equipment that raises and launches crab pots. There are various types of launchers that can both raise up to toss the pot overboard, as well as, tilt forward and shake crabs from a pot to a sorting table.

I struggled for some time working out what equipment crab fishing vessels had back in the 70's and whether a pot launcher made the Scully look slightly too modern-day in terms of technicality.

Sometime between the commercial crab fishing industries beginning in Alaska (back in the 50's) to its heyday (around 1980), pot launchers were introduced to fishing vessels to help speed up loading and offloading crab pots (empty pots alone can weigh roughly 800 pounds).

I did some research and eventually decided to make a basic single actuating launcher. The little hooks either side at the top and bottom are called dogs which hold the crab pot in place; also stopping a pot from swinging about when in rough seas.

Below, is a screenshot in Maya, where I have selected the back pivot brackets of the launcher. I found this part of the build to be the most challenging as it is not only where the pot launcher pivots but also connects to the bulwark (raised side walls).

Overall, I enjoyed creating this mechanical piece, stripping back the design to give it a simple structure more true to the time. Am quite looking forward to texturing it and adding weathering (as it is one of the most used pieces of gear on a crab fishing boat) at a later date!