216 Bridle - More Opinions Needed

[Paul Wash]

I'm planning on lifting my 2004 216 using a single point hoist. I'm planning on getting 2 straps (2" wide) for this. One fore and one aft going to the center point hook. I will use lines to keep the straps from slipping towards the center.

I am considering fabricating a bridle to keep the straps from pinching the sides. However, I am concerned the more complex I make this, the more chance of something failing either now or in the future. Is the bridle needed?

On paper the boat weighs 1350 - with our berth,motor, and gear it probably weighs 1500. The swing keel itself weighs ~500 of the total (all in lbs).

Thoughts appreciated...
Thanks, Paul.

 

[bobbened444]

PAUL, I don't use a lift myself but another H-216 owner here on Rehoboth does. He uses four lines attached to the two stern cleats and the shroud hooks/plates on either side, all joined in the middle with a four-way tempered steel link. Has been lowering and raising his boat regularly for several years without any problems. I was surprised, but it works.
Cheers, Bob

 

[Paul Wash]

Thanks Bob. I had suspected that may work too. In fact I know for a fact those cleats are so strong b/c our 216 survived a tornado at our dock. The only damage was 2 snapped 8" pylons! The lines were so taught they had to be cut off the cleats.