Boat haulage

[zoidberg]

I noticed the below image on another YBW.com page.

The boat seems to be 'cradled' in one of Jacobs' excellent and robust products, and is about to be/just has been hauled on a low-loader. Can anyone tell me the type/weight/size of the suspended boat and/or have informed views on the suitability of such a cradle for road transportation?

 

[rogerthebodger]

I cannot give you any info on that boat and cradle

My boat was 20 ton and transported 600 km on this trailer with built in supports

I also moved the same boat from cape town 1400 km before fitting out on the same trailer weighing 13 toms

 

[penberth3]

I noticed the below image on another YBW.com page.

The boat seems to be 'cradled' in one of Jacobs' excellent and robust products, and is about to be/just has been hauled on a low-loader. Can anyone tell me the type/weight/size of the suspended boat and/or have informed views on the suitability of such a cradle for road transportation?

First thought, is that cradle designed for the job? There will be bigger forces during transport compared to static use at a marina. The props shown on Rogershaws trailer look much heavier.

 

[NormanS]

I would want more than four pads in contact with the hull. Four might be enough for that boat in that cradle, static on the ground, although I prefer six even for that. For road transport, I would be looking for the side loading to be spread over a wider area of the hull, and placed to suit internal stiffening, bulkheads etc.

 

[jwilson]

First thought, is that cradle designed for the job? There will be bigger forces during transport compared to static use at a marina. The props shown on Rogershaws trailer look much heavier.

That cradle was almost certainly designed for a boat static ashore over winter - not for bumping and swaying around on top of a moving truck. I can't believe any boat transport truck driver would agree to move a boat only supported on a shore cradle. Could be the truck had it's own props/supports and the cradle was just going along for the ride.

 

[rogerthebodger]

That cradle was almost certainly designed for a boat static ashore over winter - not for bumping and swaying around on top of a moving truck. I can't believe any boat transport truck driver would agree to move a boat only supported on a shore cradle. Could be the truck had it's own props/supports and the cradle was just going along for the ride.

When I moved my boat from Cape Town the static support cradle was removed and loaded separately.

 

[LittleSister]

When I had a boat transported it was lifted with the cradle strapped in place (as per the OP's photo), but IIRC once the boat was properly supported on the lorry (it was a pukka boat transport company), the cradle supports were slackened off. It was only done like that to (a) save having an extra lift both ends of the journey, and/or (b) to save having to dismantle the cradle, and (potentially) (c) economically use load space on the lorry (not necessary in my case as it was smallish boat on biggish lorry).

 

[zoidberg]

Thanks, all.

I have a boat - a little smaller than the one in the original pic - which presently sits in a Jacobs Cradle just like the one shown. I agree that that cradle was NOT designed for road transport use and if attempted, would certainly have chains/tensioners helping to support the cradle arms laterally and longitudinally.

'Little sister's explanation seems to make best sense.

 

[Avocet]

When I had a boat transported it was lifted with the cradle strapped in place (as per the OP's photo), but IIRC once the boat was properly supported on the lorry (it was a pukka boat transport company), the cradle supports were slackened off. It was only done like that to (a) save having an extra lift both ends of the journey, and/or (b) to save having to dismantle the cradle, and (potentially) (c) economically use load space on the lorry (not necessary in my case as it was smallish boat on biggish lorry).

That's what I'd be inclined to do too. As others have said, the loads during transport are MUCH greater (and in different directions) to those the cradle would encounter on hard standing. If the truck had to brake hard, I would have real doubts as to the legs on that land cradle not bending forwards!

 

[penberth3]

That's what I'd be inclined to do too. As others have said, the loads during transport are MUCH greater (and in different directions) to those the cradle would encounter on hard standing. If the truck had to brake hard, I would have real doubts as to the legs on that land cradle not bending forwards!

Yes, Isaac Newton got it right, and that was a long time ago.