Dry Docked 22 - Crane questions

[Todd]

Hello, Thanks again for the help to date. Bought the long-stored 22 and am at work on it this winter preparing for our few months of Chicago sailing on Lake Michigan. I've been advised to dry dock the 22 (cheaper, less bottom problems, easier to take to other lakes, etc), but will have to 'crane' the boat off the trailer and into the water each time. I've check the archives here and talked to several people, but no firm ideas yet...so my question is: What's the best 'crane' method? Straps underneath, lines from the chaiplates, add some new hardware to attach the lifting lines? Whatever the method, it'd sure be nice to be able to leave the mast up throughout the process (I can leave the mast up in the drydock area).Todd

 

[Harry]

Dry Docked 22

Todd:If I were to have it lifted by crane, I would use two slings, one positioned fore and the other aft of the keel, although I have never tried this. I would not lift from the chainplates or other lugs that would concentrate the approx. 2500 lb. weight to relatively small locations. Slings help to distribute the load across the hull similar (but not exactly) to how the boat is uniformally supported when in water. A good boat yard operator should have the knowledge to do it right.Why not trailer it in at a ramp? I trailer sailed my O22 for years and found it was quite easy to launch/retrieve at all the ramps I tried. I have a roller bed trailer, which made it a breeze.Good luck.

 

[Todd]

I'll research it.

Well, checked the archives again and read Harry's entry (thanks), but looks like this is not a common question. Did some research locally - West Marine says will help if I bring pictures (new hardware to attach, make rope bridle and when that's balanced they'll make a cable version for longer term use). Or may just end up using straps under the hull (if allowed). In any event, when the issue is clarified I'll post a note for the benefit of others.Todd