Pearson Boats - Common Systems > Steering System, Hull Structure

Cradle

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Dolce_Vita:
What's wrong with six tripods, some chain, and a block of wood for under the keel?
This is the way mine is always set up on the hard.

Libations Too:
I do not have a cradle for my 323...she's in the water year round. But my understanding is that design/construction of a cradle depends a little on how and where it will be used. If the goal is simple out-of-water storage something similar to what Dolce Vita described can work...but such an arrangement can be risky if on unstable ground. I know of at least one instance where, over the course of a wet winter, the earth beneath the keel (carrying most of the boat's weight) of a 50-footer settled while the tripod stands did not. The result in the spring was a damaged hull...dimples where the tripod stands had punched into the hull as the keel settled.

One of the best cradles that I have seen was constructed of three substantial I-beams running fore and aft with cross beams welded between to form a rigid frame. The center I-beam carried the weight of the keel while the two outer I-beams sprouted stands that cradled the hull. This cradle was rigid and strong enough that it could be dragged onto and off of a flat bed truck with the boat (a medium to heavy displacement 34-footer) resting securely in the cradle.

Rusty Pelican:
I have had my boat for 30+ years now.  Every fall I use this company to haul, de-rig, transport and block my P323 in my back yard.    http://www.simmsbros.com/marshfield-ma-boat-transport.htm.
My yacht club also owns and operates a boat yard.
Speaking from experience, if blocked correctly and inspected periodically, there is a zero chance of your boat "hanging" on the jack stands.  Most damage occurs when the jack stands are not chained to each other, or tying a boat cover to the jack stands which can cause the stands "walk off",  causing the boat to topple over.
I have friends that have transported their boats from NE to Florida, bow to stern to keel shrink-rap to protect boat from road debris.   
The P323 cradle was an option at time of purchase and they were made out of wood, your chances are slim finding one in usable condition today.

bob

Chelsea:
If you want measurements and pictures of a cradle I would be happy to measure/photograph the one for Chelsea.  In Lake Michigan we use cradles often and it's very easy for the boat yard to haul.  The bring boat & cradle to the haul out and lift boat with carry lift.  Saves running all around the yard with the slowest most expensive equipment.  The base is 6x12 feet and it's steel I beam construction.  The photo attached was about April 1.  It was a LONG winter.. Global warming is not evident this year.

Note, there are five "I-Beams" that make up the base, two long stringers (12 ft) front to back.  On the three center beams there is a flat plate for the keel to rest on.  Two angled supports for the corner stanchions.  These rest just behind the lift points for haul out.  I can get the corner heights off this weekend if the rain and wind stops.  I'm 3 hours from the boat.

Lauri

Kgorby:
This is what I'm looking for, thanks for replying

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