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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Build a cradle?

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dblitz
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Initially Posted - 08/21/2006 : 15:57:58

Been searching the archives to see if there's been any discussion on building a cradle for our fin keeled beauties, with nothing found.
Anybody have any ideas??
I've been thinking of building one out of wood because it could be taken apart rather than going the jowi route which would require a truck.

Daniel 86 "Solar Wind" #5339 C-25 FK/SR I/B Diesel

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britinusa
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Response Posted - 08/21/2006 : 17:12:34

We used to have exercises like that in navy leadership training classes!

'Ok, your mission today is to build a cradle for the boat that is on that trailer, you can use any of the materials found in the site.'

I would consider building one using a strap cradle. A frame that would support a strap that passed under the boat, would save worrying about scribing the hull shape to the cradle beds.

I guess that's why yards have more 'legs' than 'cradles', legs fit many shapes of hull.
Found these: http://camdenboatstore.com/product_info.php/cPath/107/products_id/2720

Would be an intersting woodworking project.

Paul.

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djn
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Response Posted - 08/21/2006 : 17:53:23

Hi Dan, pick up the current issue of Good Old Boat and you will find plans and instructions on how to build one. CHeers.

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Frank Hopper
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Pitcairn Island
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Response Posted - 08/21/2006 : 22:53:36

The cradle specs are in our manuals section.

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djn
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Response Posted - 08/22/2006 : 09:09:37

Hi Frank, which specs I would use for my swing keel? CHeers.

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Frank Hopper
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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 08/22/2006 : 10:50:11

Using the wing measurements will give you 2" of drop for your keel which is minimal.

Really you can make the pads as high as you like as long as they are high enough, my point is that if you ever want to do keel maintenance then you may want the cradle higher so you can drop the keel. Also make sure you use big "all thread" for the pad adjusters so you can make fine adjustments. I think Basement jacks from Home Depot would work. Projects like this always remind me of how creative welders are if you can communicate your need and then turn them loose.

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djn
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Response Posted - 08/22/2006 : 12:23:11

Thanks Frank. I had not thought of the keel rebuild I will be doing this fall when the boat comes out of the water. I can weld anything but in this case, I have no place to store the cradle so I think wood will be the way to go so I can take it apart and put it in my attic during the summer. Cheers.

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dblitz
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Response Posted - 08/22/2006 : 12:37:28

Dennis:
Exactly, those jowis are solid but you need a pickup or tow truck to move them back and forth.
I'm thinking wood with scaffolding screw jacks with swiveling base plates this way they match the contour of the hull without wedges (cost $ 20.- ea. by me)or having to adjust the angle of the posts.
I think the screw jacks themselves can hold 5000 lbs each but you gotta make sure that the boat can be lifted on the 4 pads to work on the keel. Has anyone worked on theirs supporting their boat this way rather than on straps? Seems like all the weight of the boat will be concentrated on just 4 points.

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dblitz
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Response Posted - 08/22/2006 : 12:40:34

Frank, thanks for those specs. I was actually wondering if anyone had used removable hardware to attach the pipe/posts to the wooden cradle in a way that it could be taken apart.

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 08/22/2006 : 13:11:57

I have a trailer, but am never afraid to talk out my butt. I have seen that boat stands are held together by chains. Couldn't you make the entire cradle out of pipe, through bolt the peices, then use chain to reinforce the stand post positions and then be able to take it all apart with only a few bolts?

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djn
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1561 Posts

Response Posted - 08/22/2006 : 14:48:12

That is a good idea Frank. I have all the pipe I need and have a cousin that owns a trucking company so I could nab chain and tentioners from him. Cheers.

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