Aerotow with Diesel engine?

I don't disagree on the issue of winch launching being the cheapest cost
offset for the invested dollar...Even with the argument that Diesel fuel
cost by 1/3 an average tow only uses around 2 gallons of gasoline so we're
talking about a savings of around 2/3rds of a gallon or roughly $ 1.61 if
you're paying at the pump for your diesel maybe a bit more if you're buying
and storing bulk, which isn't figuring in the cost of "Prist" which if any
of you have operated Turbines, know is a necessity for long term storage of
the fuel...the savings from the cost of fuel I'd say is truly almost nil.

This of course isn't again pointing out that in order to save this $1.61 per
tow, we'd have to guy spend presumably a hundred grand...the SMA diesel
which is approved for STC on the 180 is $97,000 installed...

I just don't see any viability to the thought process at this time. I like
the idea of Michael Zoche's radial diesel...but it's been years in
development and doesn't look even cose to certification. Thielert's engine
look great but again, since it doesn't go on a Pawnee or a Super Cub or a
Husky, or anything at this point...what really is the point??

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.