How to haul out a fixed keel boat?

[Jaco Versfeld]

Good day,


I have potentially found an adjustable trailer (one v support in front middle and two supports at the back, all who can adjust their heights). What is the correct procedure to haul out the boat?


Do I first have to adjust the height of the supports beforehand? How do I measure the heights of these supports? Does the keel need to rest on the keel "channel", or does the keel "hang" while the hull is supported by the supports?


Your suggestions will be greatly appreciated,
Jaco

[barnakiel]

The hull is supported on the center - typically for a fixed keel boat. But a light flat power boat or a light sail racer may be supported only by the 3 or 4 supports.


The first time you do it, you let the keel touch the platform, then while she is still held by the crane or the lift, you adjust the supports accordingly. Mind the supports are there to just keep the boat in vertical. So do not - over-tighten these.


Make sure the platform and its support layout match the boat - so that when you maneuver the platform the boat cannot slip out of the 'craddle'.


I have seen a big yacht, a Cape Georde heavy keeler, slip off the platform while being towed in NZ. Avoid this kind of adventures at all cost.


Cheers,
b.

[Fore and Aft]

Jaco sounds like you're going swimming, at least for the first slipping. You can probably guestimate the rough location of the props. But in reality you will need to dive under the boat to make sure everything is fine.
Cheers

[ChrisJHC]

Another question is how are you hauling her out?
Lifting straps attached to hard points on your boat?
Or straps going under the vessel?
If the second, then make sure you position the straps in the right location to avoid damage.

[marcjsmith]

You’d also want the trailer pads to ideally rest on areas of the hull that have some support. Ie bulkheads.

[barnakiel]

Yes. The supports should go where the boat has internal strength. (bulkheads)


+1