Preparing for Lift Out

Responsibilities of the Boat Owner

2 weeks prior to the first lift out date.

Complete all forms provided and return to Cobourg Marina in envelope provided.

Check the Condition of Your Cradle

Things to look for

1. Ensure the cradle has the “Boat Name”, “Bow” and “Stern” clearly identified.
2. Ensure that all the pads are in good condition (pads properly attached to adjusting rods, rods and adjuster nuts lubricated and moving freely).
3. Visually inspect your cradle for signs of obvious damage (ie bent braces, broken bolts, missing nuts, cracked welds etc. Arrange for any necessary repairs prior to cradles being moved.
4. Optional - Pads should also be identified with their location on the cradle. (port bow, port stern, starboard bow starboard stern). This will simplify their proper replacement, should they get taken off. It is a good idea to take your pads home after lift in and bring them back on the day of lift out. This will provide you with a good opportunity to make any necessary repairs as well as prevent loss or damage and ensure you have all your pads in good working condition when you need them for lift out.
5. During lift out you should have a wrench (crescent or pipe) suitable for adjusting the pads as well as a hammer and some 2x6x12 or 2x8x12 blocks for shimming, if required. This will reduce the crane time, which reduces the cost.
6. When the boat is being placed in the cradle, it is the responsibility of the “skipper” (owner) to work with the “signal person” (person directing the crane operator), to let them know where the boat is to be positioned and when they are satisfied with the final positioning of the boat in the cradle. If the owner is unfamiliar with the proper positioning, they should make the signal person aware of that fact and they will receive assistance from club members to determine the optimum position for the boat. To ensure the boat is positioned square in the cradle, the cradle should be painted with a line at the mid point of the crossbar at both the bow and stern ends. This provides a good guide for aligning the center of the boat to the center of the cradle. Once the boat is positioned to the satisfaction of the skipper, the skipper should ensure that the keel board is bolted in place and a block of wood or metal is installed at the back of the keel for future reference, for the positioning of the boat. It is also a good idea to take a photo of the boat, sitting in the cradle, to remind the skipper of his boat’s proper position, should the keel board position block accidentally be removed. These suggestions will also save time and money.