Cradle screw jack conversion

[Captain Pooh]

This past spring I watched to marina staff doing an altogether too complicated dance trying to drive the cradle out from under my '07 Hunter 33 when hanging on the straps. The crowded early season boatyard limited their mobility and my pads couldn't be removed to provide enough clearance (the Travelift was at the maximum height without damaging solar panels, etc.) due to the full-length tubes on the stock shipping cradle. I'd like to modify the cradle to make it simpler to pull the pads, and easier to adjust when getting seated for the winter.

Currently, the threaded rod under the pads screw into a nut that's welded to a full-length steel tube that runs to the bottom of the 2 1/2-inch structural pipe. Adjusting the height requires putting a big pipe wrench on the tube below the gnarled-up welded-on nut and spinning that entire tube.

Ideally, I'd like to cut the tubes shorter, weld thrust collars up high that'll ride on top of the structural pipe, and add handles to the nuts.

Anyone have experience with such a conversion?

 

[Apex]

why can't they simply drive forward and out? If there is a cross-bar in the way, can the cradle be set the other way?
Most cradles I have helped set/pull/launch boats there is no real adjustment needed, they are set and forget a la Ron Popeel style. There is a front/back to allow driving in and out

 

[dlochner]

Do you have a photo of your current cradle?

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Photo would help. Please note the lift points found on both sides of you boat that are found under the rub rail. I am familiar with the 33. Retired Hunter dealer

@Captain Pooh

 

[Captain Pooh]

It's the original shipping cradle from Hunter. Having the option to readily remove the pads is what we're after, regardless of whether the yard "should" be able to jockey it or not. Clearly they've been doing the dance successfully for years (the boat's been at that marina for years before I bought it), but I was there to witness the challenge they faced & the yard manager & travelift driver were thrilled when I suggested the mod.

I'm most interested if anyone here has made the conversion, or done anything similar.

 

[Scott B]

Our cradle has threaded rod attached to the pads, large nut with handle laid loose on top of the tubes. To adjust the pads the nut is turned to raise or lower the pad. Picture isn't our actual cradle, but the pads are much clearer.

 

[Apex]

lots of options for what you are looking for. used jack stands, or new parts. How much adjustment in height do you need?

 

[Captain Pooh]

Thanks @Apex. I've been looking at those, but I hate to spend on new threaded rods & pads, plus the handle-nuts would need a bushing underneath as the pipes are 2 1/2" in diameter.

I'll get a quote from the boatyard welder & weigh the options. Thanks for everyone's input.

 

[Apex]

Thanks @Apex. I've been looking at those, but I hate to spend on new threaded rods & pads, plus the handle-nuts would need a bushing underneath as the pipes are 2 1/2" in diameter.

I'll get a quote from the boatyard welder & weigh the options. Thanks for everyone's input.

interestingly most do NOT have a bushing under. Preferred, but not necessary maybe? The handles could be a bit of heavy wall piping crushed in the middle and your nut welded to it.