building a cradle for my boat

[djn]

Hi All, I will be building a cradle for my boat this weekend. I was wondering, does the weight of the boat rest on the keel or the pads of the cradle? I think this will have an impact on how stout I build the thing. Cheers.

[Noah]

The weight of the boat rests on the keel. The pads only keep it upright, and they shouldn't deform the hull from pressure. The best way is to make them adjustable.

[George Ray]

keel!

[outofthenorm]

George and Noah are correct - IF your boat has a nice, fat, wide and long keel. The smaller it is, the less weight it should bear. Remember that you're putting a lot of weight on a small patch. A fin keel usually can't support the whole boat without serious stress.

- Norm

[Flitch]

This is the way I built mine... (patent pending!)
http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/westcoastworkboatassn/photos/view/6704?b=10

http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/westcoastworkboatassn/photos/view/6704?b=11

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kootenayman/1236299832/in/set-72157601666162971/

Flitch

[Flitch]

Okay three more pics cause you want to see 'er in 'er cradle doncha!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kootenayman/1235440075/in/set-72157601666162971/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kootenayman/1236303042/in/set-72157602065016923/


http://www.flickr.com/photos/kootenayman/1752196033/in/set-72157601666162971/

Flitch

[P.L.Lenihan]

O.K Flitch, now you've done it.You are now committed to sharing with us all, pictures of the rebuild(especially interior cabin details) along with re-launching photos and in-use photos.:-)

Seriously, that is one damned fine handsome boat you've got there. Care to share some details of her like;designer,year built, vital stats etc....

Sorry djn for the thread drift. But yes, bulk of the boats weight should be supported along her keel with jack stands,braces or legs to support her up right.Mind you,a 49 year old boat may be tired and need considerably mo0re support.Are you craddling her to do work or just to store the boat over the winter? Hopefully too your boat does not have overly long overhangs but if so, the ends will need to be braced to prevent the sheer from hogging. Have you a photo or description of the boat in question.A 1958 custom wood sailboat is a bit vague :-)

Peter