Used cradle vs. new cradle for Hunter 33

[enovillo]

Hi all,

We have to get a cradle for our 1982 Hunter 33. We've found a used one that belonged to an O'Day 37. The cradle has 6 posts and is 70" x 14'. They're asking cdn$1000 for it.

The same place (a cradle shop in Ontario) will charge me cdn$1360 to build a new one that will have 6 posts and measure 69" x 12'. Of course, they recommend that I have a new one built and say that the used one will be a poor fit.

And here's my conundrum: should I save those $360 and go with the used one? Or should I play it safe and have a new one built?

And for context, the O'Day 37 has a beam of 11'2" and a draft of 5'. My worry is that the pads on which the bow rests will be too far apart.

I'll appreciate your opinions and experience.

 

[Paul F]

Use to have cradles for our Endeavor 26 and Erickson 27 in WI for 15 years. They both came with the boats. I agree with the cradle shop. New wood will be stronger and the fit will be worth the extra money. With a choice, I would not even consider an old used one. If the boat is moved around on the cradle a new one is even more desirable.

 

[SamLust]

Check with new boat dealers in your area. New boats are shipped on cradles (steel) and there are lots of the kicking around. also, most of the marinas near me seem to have at least half a dozen floating around with no owner and they love to get rid of them.

 

[enovillo]

Thanks guys. I've called around a few marinas and no one seems to have what I'm looking for.

I did, however, find another used steel cradle, made 5 years ago by the same shop (it seems like most cradles around here are made by them). This one is 5' x 10' instead of the 5'9" x 12' that would be ideal. It's also half the price of a new one.

I think it should be fine, but I'm a bit hesitant... Opinions? Sorry to keep on beating the dead and boring horse...

 

[Paul F]

As long as the steel one is sound, go for it. There is no reason I know of why it will not work for you. You may have to add support points that will fit to the boat.

 

[Tim Dalton]

cradle

I bought a used cradle last year for my H33 that was from some unknown boat and it has worked fine. I had to block up the keel since my boat is the shoal model. What is important to look for is where the pads will lie because you want them to keep the boat upright on its keel and not support the weight of the boat. My pads fit nicely where there are bulkheads between the forepeek & salon and around the head and just below the waterline. I've seen boats that were set on the pads and the hulls became deformed so make sure your weight will be rest on the keel. I'd measure my cradle for you but I will not be out to the boat for some time (mid August) due to work travel. If you are still waiting, let me know and I will measure for you. Mine only has two posts.

 

[enovillo]

Re: cradle

Thanks Tim. I already bought the used cradle.

I'm not sure what the distance from the head bulkhead to the v-berth bulkhead is, but it shouldn't be more than 10', which is what this cradle measures in length. I'll try to place the boat around that area. I guess I'll paint marks on the hull before hauling out.

If you do get to your boat and are still willing to measure your cradle, I'd like to know how long the uprights on your cradle are. I plan to replace the ones on the cradle I bought because they are about 4' long and I don't want the screw rods sticking out so much. I don't know what the ideal is, but the less they stick out the better, right? I'm guessing 5'.

Ah, but you have the shoal draft, so your uprights are probably ok being shorter than mine. I'll still appreciate the measurements if you have the time.

Thanks!

 

[Tim Dalton]

cradle

You can use the ports as a good visual guide since the fore bulkhead lies between two sets. Also, use the one above the quarterberth for a similar position. I'll take some measures and post but it will not be until sometime in mid August so look for a post down the road.