Getting your cradle ready for haulout at HYC
Your cradle is a very important piece of equipment! Take time once the cradles are laid out and before haul out weekend to ensure that it is ready to receive your boat. Cradles are laid out in their general area. Final positioning will take place on haul out weekend.
Here are some things that should be done:
Set up your cradle. All cradles will get laid out in the yard about a week before haul out, but it is the members responsibility to set their cradle up.
Ensure your cradle support arms are properly set up, all nuts/bolts are properly tightened and secure.
Purchase and install new bolts if existing bolts are rusted and difficult to tighten AND untighten.
Pads should be adjusted to their lowest positions.
Tighten the bolts on the pads that control the pad angle. The pads should still move, but need to stay in position when not held by hand.
What is the condition of the surface that your boat will be landing on? Look at what the keel will land on and ensure it is in good shape.
Look back at any pictures you may have of your boat in its cradle. This will help you to direct crews on where it should sit in the cradle.
