Cradle

[Sylvain]

Last year, I got some measurements to modify a very heavy built 8 pad cradle from a Hans Christian 38 to my shoal H33C.

I used 6 pads but had to block the keel another 6 inch and wedge some pads. I have a week to adjust my cradle to fit better.

Any information about your cradle and profile would help.

Cheers,

Sylvain

 

[Ed Schenck]

You do realize that the entire weight of the boat sits on the keel. Everything else is just to keep it positioned and from falling over. My H37C cradle has two cross bunks and four adjustable pads. It sits loosely in the bunks and I snug up the pads. So long as your pads and wedges keep the boat from shifting not much else to do. My marina always made certain that the cradle was blocked so that bilge water would run to the back where the bilge pump is located.

 

[Sylvain]

Thanks for the photo Ed.
Yes, I do know that the boat sits on the keel. The problem I had last year was that all the uprights were too high and 4 out of 6 too far apart so that the angle of the pad was too sharp (almost horizontal) thus the need for wedges.

I actually cut he posts today and will fashion hinges with angle irons to be able to adjust them.

Sylvain

 

[Ed Schenck]

Pretty boat. Like the fin keel. Yes, I see your problem. My pads are hinged, more like rockers. I can't see the rear pads. Are they like the fronts? Would not take much to cut and reweld those posts. I notice three or four cradles sitting on the tarmac. Our yard puts all cradles on blocks, even where the driveway slope would not require it for bilge drain. I wonder why?

I once found the pads lifting the hull from the bunks. Rain water had frozen in the posts and pushed the pads hard into the boat. I had to drill holes in the bottom of the posts to prevent that from ever recurring.

 

[Sylvain]

Hi Ed,
You have the better boat and the warmer year-round location. Lucky you!

Last year, I had to use one of the City marina as there was no availability at the military base yacht club. The very accessible, too accessible, City marina had some very nice boats just next to mine.
As an Airman, the "tarmac" appears to be a fine place for sailboats after all.

I'm at the Base now and lift out is tomorrow morning. My "Hans Christian" cradle is now adjustable and I warned the guys that I will need a little extra time to set the (8) pads. As a self operated club, we moved all cradles into palace manually last week and we're all there 0730 hrs to meet the crane.

I'll take more photos and measurements of the cradle for others to use.

Cheers,
Sylvain