WinchBoat
Where the launch and recovery of the parasailor and canopy takes place directly from the boat
itself such a method is called WinchBoat Parasailing.
The boat is equipped with a parasail inflation system and hydraulic winch powered by the main drive
engine to launch and retrieve the parasailor from the flight deck, usually located in the rear of the boat
The worlds first working prototype winchboat was tested under the surveillence of Mark McCulloh in 1974,
patented in October 26, 1976, but wasn't introduced commercially until the mid 80's after being plagued by numerous
accidents. The first recorded winchboat accident occurred in 1977 during a media event at Sunset Beach, Treasure Island,
Florida. Today Winchboat parasailing represents more than 90% of all commercial parasailing offered throughout the
World.
Here is a Step-By-Step information on the WinchBoat Parasail to make the idea more clear
The Body Harness...
Like with the beach an platform methods. Parasailor(s) are strapped to a body
harness assembly, that attaches to the parasail canopy, which is connected by rope to a hydraulic
winch mounted on the towboat.
The Rigid Chair
Unlike the harness, parasailor(s) are seated in a partially reclined position in a floating chair
that encapsulates and secures without straps. The chair is attached to the parasail canopy which is connected
by rope to a hydraulic winch mounted on the towboat.
Canopy Inflation (by hand)
The tow boat accelerates while the crew member holds the canopy and risers lines until the wind
is oncoming wind is sufficient to inflate the canopy. The crew member feeds the canopy and lines out by hand.
Canopy Inflation (mast)
The canopy riser lines are attached to the mast line and hosted up allowing the oncoming
wind to inflate the canopy. Once inflated the mast line is lowered and detached from the canopy riser lines.
Harness Liftoff.
The tow boat then accelerates lifting the parasailor of the flight deck skyward. Once aloft,
achieving altitude is similar to beach parasailing. Altitude is controlled by boat speed.
Chair Liftoff .
The tow boat then accelerates lifting the parasailor of the flight deck skyward. Once aloft,
achieving altitude is similar to beach parasailing. Altitude is controlled by boat speed.
Landing...
When the flight is finished, the tow boat operator engages the hydraulic winch that reels the
parasailor to the flight deck without the parasailor steering the canopy. The boat speed must be synchronized with
line speed to avoid a rough landing.
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