What is the proper position for the slings when hauling or launching a 34' Hunter, vintage 1986? I am especially concerned about the aft support. Must it be opposite the rib that runs through the aft cabin? Does Hunter Marine publish information on this?
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Sling Positions
In hauling my H34 last winter the operator placed the sling behind the keel by knocking on the hull. When I asked what he was doing he said he was locating interior bulkheads or fixtures that would provide strength. I can't tell you exactly where he located the sling but I watched closely and there was no flexing or dimpling of the hull that I could notice. I was more concerned about being sure the strap did not go over the prop shaft and distort it. Having seen the thickness of the fiberglass near the keel (1 1/2 inch)I am not worried about the strap lifting the boat given that the weight is spread out and is mostly supported by the thickest portion. Also, the boat has come out for 18 years in various locations so someone must know their business.
In hauling my H34 last winter the operator placed the sling behind the keel by knocking on the hull. When I asked what he was doing he said he was locating interior bulkheads or fixtures that would provide strength. I can't tell you exactly where he located the sling but I watched closely and there was no flexing or dimpling of the hull that I could notice. I was more concerned about being sure the strap did not go over the prop shaft and distort it. Having seen the thickness of the fiberglass near the keel (1 1/2 inch)I am not worried about the strap lifting the boat given that the weight is spread out and is mostly supported by the thickest portion. Also, the boat has come out for 18 years in various locations so someone must know their business.
Hi Winnie, every Hunter boat I've seen ...
has the sling positions clearly marked on the outside hull on the underside of the toe rail. The proper sling positions usually are located about two inches forward of the leading edge of the keel and about the same behind the stern end of the keel but in front of the prop shaft. Terry
has the sling positions clearly marked on the outside hull on the underside of the toe rail. The proper sling positions usually are located about two inches forward of the leading edge of the keel and about the same behind the stern end of the keel but in front of the prop shaft. Terry
ABYC standards require it
Sling positions should be clearly labeled as such on both sides of the boat. Unless a doofus PO removed 'em, there should be little screwed-on "name plates" that say "sling" fore and aft just below the toe rail.
Sling positions should be clearly labeled as such on both sides of the boat. Unless a doofus PO removed 'em, there should be little screwed-on "name plates" that say "sling" fore and aft just below the toe rail.
Peggie
Where in the ABYC recommendations (I didn't know they were requirements) is the section for sling labels? I can only find in T-24, e, 4 a suggestion for the owner's manual.
Where in the ABYC recommendations (I didn't know they were requirements) is the section for sling labels? I can only find in T-24, e, 4 a suggestion for the owner's manual.
Aft Sling Behind Keel
Because of the weight of the keel the aft sling position should be behind the keel but forward of the propeller shaft. From inside the boat one can find where the propeller shaft exits and you should be able to find the aft-most keel bolt. Somewhere in this range, which is only a few feet, is the best spot for the sling. The hull is quite thick and with the structural grid the sling load can be distributed and therefore is not critical. The forward sling should be just forward of the keel but missing the speed transducer if it is the paddle wheel variety. Hunter didn't put sling locations on my boat ('88 H-35) and this item is not covered in the owners manual even though there is a chapter for Maintenance and another chapter for Storing/Winterization.
Because of the weight of the keel the aft sling position should be behind the keel but forward of the propeller shaft. From inside the boat one can find where the propeller shaft exits and you should be able to find the aft-most keel bolt. Somewhere in this range, which is only a few feet, is the best spot for the sling. The hull is quite thick and with the structural grid the sling load can be distributed and therefore is not critical. The forward sling should be just forward of the keel but missing the speed transducer if it is the paddle wheel variety. Hunter didn't put sling locations on my boat ('88 H-35) and this item is not covered in the owners manual even though there is a chapter for Maintenance and another chapter for Storing/Winterization.
Sling position Thank You
Thanks to all for your information. Our 17 year old H 34' had no sling marks until the marina in Middle river placed them there, (small decals on port side). The aft one is between the keel and prop shaft, but well aft of the interior rib. Placing the sling two inches behind the keel as Terry suggested and just in front of the paddle wheel forward as John states, appears to be the answer. We viewed videos of previous launchings and our dealership placed the slings at this position. Our current marina placed them aft of these points by a foot or more. I have noticed minor crazing at the waterline this year, where the slings are placed and feel repositioning is necessary. Thanks again to all. More replys are welcome.
Thanks to all for your information. Our 17 year old H 34' had no sling marks until the marina in Middle river placed them there, (small decals on port side). The aft one is between the keel and prop shaft, but well aft of the interior rib. Placing the sling two inches behind the keel as Terry suggested and just in front of the paddle wheel forward as John states, appears to be the answer. We viewed videos of previous launchings and our dealership placed the slings at this position. Our current marina placed them aft of these points by a foot or more. I have noticed minor crazing at the waterline this year, where the slings are placed and feel repositioning is necessary. Thanks again to all. More replys are welcome.
Sling positions
Here is a picture that show where slings are positioned every Fall when hauling out and Spring when my 34 is splashed. Just in front and in back of the keel. BTW, on my shoal draft, at the bottom, the keel is almost 10 feet from front to back, which would mean probably almost 15 feet at the hull joint. Which of course helps sa lot with balancing. It is much shorter on the deep keel. No decals either. No problem on the hull, but then again, take a look at the set-up to prevent the slings from being pulled too far inboard.
Here is a picture that show where slings are positioned every Fall when hauling out and Spring when my 34 is splashed. Just in front and in back of the keel. BTW, on my shoal draft, at the bottom, the keel is almost 10 feet from front to back, which would mean probably almost 15 feet at the hull joint. Which of course helps sa lot with balancing. It is much shorter on the deep keel. No decals either. No problem on the hull, but then again, take a look at the set-up to prevent the slings from being pulled too far inboard.
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