Cradle pad positioning advice required

black mercury said:
If they are roughly below the waterline then yes, they will be. For a rough guide, 75% of the weight will be taken by the keel, for a sadler ( racing boats with delicate keels are a different matter) the rest is taken by the pads. The reason is to support the hull, if left with all weight on the keel the hull can creep over a long time, pushing the rear of the keel into the hull. Not all boats are susceptible but the Westerly Falcon fin keel is an example. The other reason is with weight on the stands there is less chance of them moving, they are being pinned down. If you move the rear ones above the waterline this isn't happening, nor is it supporting the rear of the hull. Fine if only for a few days in light winds. The stands should be strapped across each other and between each other, front stand to rear stand, as the front stand can walk itself forward in strong winds. Just ask the yard, they should be willing to help or advise, instead of doing this on your own. p.s. if you don't support the front of the boat properly before removing the pads it will drop forward slightly, removing weight on the rear pads, possibly loosening them. Extra pair of hands would be good, i.e the yard workers.
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I should point out that the props are not independent. The are part of an integral cradle whereby the bases of the props are locked into, and part of, a framework on the ground (see pic). Also, when the boat was let down onto the keel, the props were just screwed up to the hull. The other point being that this would only be temporary while the coppercoat was being applied.
 

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vyv_cox said:
I have overwintered twice on Yacht Legs and Gelshielded my boat on them. Perfectly OK but the legs attached up the topsides also have supports just above the water line. Photos on the website.
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Looking at the pictures of the yacht legs, they only give side support. I can't see any practical difference in having my 'legs''pads above the waterline. Maybe I strap them together port-starboard?
 
Ah yes, a picture speaks a thousand words! And you have mast down which is good. So you are restricted that you cant move pads backwards and forwards. You could put a prop under the hull in middle at rear and move the rear pads further up, after putting extra props beside the pads. Once tightened up you can remove the extra props. I would do the front and back separately, putting the pads back to their original position before moving to other one. I would put a sheet of plastic between pad and hull to stop pad sticking to fresh paint, it will be a bit soft for a while, just depends on conditions. You can mix up small amounts of coppercoat, you probably know that. Forgot to say to put prop under middle of bow before moving front ones.
 
black mercury said:
Ah yes, a picture speaks a thousand words! And you have mast down which is good. So you are restricted that you cant move pads backwards and forwards. You could put a prop under the hull in middle at rear and move the rear pads further up, after putting extra props beside the pads. Once tightened up you can remove the extra props. I would do the front and back separately, putting the pads back to their original position before moving to other one. I would put a sheet of plastic between pad and hull to stop pad sticking to fresh paint, it will be a bit soft for a while, just depends on conditions. You can mix up small amounts of coppercoat, you probably know that. Forgot to say to put prop under middle of bow before moving front ones.
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Well, except that is a stock picture of the cradle, not my boat - and I have the boom off but the mast still up.
 
Neil said:
Well, except that is a stock picture of the cradle, not my boat - and I have the boom off but the mast still up.
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Still ok, but definitely put a prop under the bow if the mast is up, and keep it there until you move the pads back to their original position. I think you want to do all the hull at the same time, if so and in calm conditions you could move all four pads, just make sure there is a prop at bow and stern. Ratchet straps from toe rail is another option if wind picks up, as long as yard is concrete. And don't go bouncing around the boat! I would still talk to the yard, most are friendly and should help you out. Crane driver may take offense at you undoing his work, will be fine if you let him know.
 
I doubt you would be insured if anything went wrong.....

No, only joking :) With care no problem at all. Without care all is lost.

These are good; poppets:

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Worth knocking a couple up as they are easy to set and move, and tend to wedge themselves into a rocking boat rather than falling away.
 
This is where I am now:

Next an angle grinder with a nylon scrubbing pad for the GRP and a wire brush disc for the keel.
 

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Neil, A yacht in our yard preparing to Coppercoat replaced the props with chains and bottle screws from the trailer to the toerail so it was held down rather than propped up - worked well!
 
SteveA said:
Neil, A yacht in our yard preparing to Coppercoat replaced the props with chains and bottle screws from the trailer to the toerail so it was held down rather than propped up - worked well!
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+1. I would have posted something similar but the wifi link here is very erratic. A pair of proper expansion bolts into the concrete base would be even better.
 
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