Hydraulic Trailer?

[johnmurray]

For many years my yacht club has rented a 35 ton mobile crane to haul boats out of the water at the end of the season and transfer them to our adjacent storage yard. This fall the crane is no longer available so we have rented a hydraulic trailer to do the job.
With the mobile crane we used slings so the haul-out process was very similar to a lift with with a travel lift (straddle crane) so it was simply a matter of observing the lift points and blocking the keel when the boat was lowered in the storage yard.
As ours is a "small boat" club, my A-30FC at 12,000 pounds will be one of the heavier lifts for the hydraulic trailer and I am somewhat concerned, particularily about lift points on the hull. If it cannot be handled safely by the hydraulic trailer I will have to transit my to an inconvenient yard with a travel lift.
Does anyone use a hydraulic trailer to move their A-28 or A-30FC? What do I need to know?

[DougSea]

John,

At our yard they didn't use a hydraulic trailer, however, once lifted from the water by a conventional travellift the boats are moved on some "home built" trailers on blocks. There are 4 "points" of contact on our old 28 TE. Forward a single block on the keel, even with or just behind the sling point. Aft there was one in the center, just in front of the skeg, and one on each chine even with the center. If I can find a picture I'll post it. In all cases the lift points were on on near the sling markers on the gunnels. This makes sense as these are normally the location of internal structure and can handle the weight of the boat.

So, if the trailer can be adjusted to lift on or near the chines at the sling points I'd say you should be fine. I'll probably see the yard manager this weekend and will ask him for any pointers. (They do also have a hydraulic trailer, and they assist all the time when boats are being shipped in or out.)

[RobS]

Member mhanna's boatyard uses a hydraulic trailer and it does the job well for his 28TE. However, the travel lift is still used and lowers the boat onto this trailer. His 28 was the last boat pulled for Irene so she stayed on the trailer to weather the storm and had no issues. But I know Matt added a little extra security. He probably has some photos of her on the trailer and will hopefully chime in here.