At 14:07 07 May 2013, Bill D wrote:
On Monday, May 6, 2013 10:46:40 PM UTC-6, Waveguru wrote:
If we had slowed down a little, and tightened up the tension a bit, we
could have added a couple hundred more feet? What do you think about the
"Payout Winch"?



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5WDiHHgua8



Boggs

I think if you had a real winch and learned how to use it safely, you'd
get
a lot higher.

I think that is the most complicated and potentially dangerous method of
winch launching that I have ever seen.
I am completely sold on winching, having made over 10000 launches on many
types of winch over the years. I have to say that some of the winches I
have used, including a converted Rover car have been less than ideal, and
perhaps a little unwise, but this has to be the most foolhardy version I
have ever come across.
I would be the first to admit that there are several potential hazards in
winch launching but a system as complex as that is an accident just waiting
to happen. Please stop it guys, get a proper conventional winch if that is
the way you want to go, or go to a straight forward auto tow.