November 28, 2003 - Hardware: Lifting
This is the final update before the deck is placed on the boat. Hence, this section features a detailed look at the hull as of November 28, 2003. Because of the level of detail, this update has been organized by general categories, and sub-divided by specific categories.
An integral part of any unlimited hydroplane is the structure required to get the boat in and out of the water. Since the boat must be placed in the water with a crane, there must be some way to lift the boat.
Originally, the Miss Bardahl had four lifting points in the boat, similar to those in the 5th picture. They were pieces of aluminum with holes. A steel-tube spreader-bar had four cables with hooks that attached to the four corresponding lifting eyes. The spreader bar was then hooked onto the crane, and the boat lifted.
Cables can be dangerous in that a breaking cable can cause serious damage and injury. In the interest of safety and simplicity, the Miss Bardahl will employ a lifting system common on the current unlimited hydroplanes. This consists of four nylon straps that meet at a common ring on one end. This ring is attached to the crane hook, and the four straps are attached to a lifting point. Each strap is individually strong enough to hold the entire boat, thus providing a large safety factor.
Further changes are being made in that instead of hooks and rings being used, a tongue and slot method will be employed to hook the boat. Slots (aluminum channel) will be placed in the boat (two aft, two forward), and each nylon strap will have a "tongue" of aluminum that will slide in. Then, a pit pin will be placed through a common hole in both pieces, thus securing the boat. This is the common practice on modern unlimiteds and provides a safe, yet efficient manner in which to lift the boats. Pictures of the slings will be added later.
Read MoreAn integral part of any unlimited hydroplane is the structure required to get the boat in and out of the water. Since the boat must be placed in the water with a crane, there must be some way to lift the boat.
Originally, the Miss Bardahl had four lifting points in the boat, similar to those in the 5th picture. They were pieces of aluminum with holes. A steel-tube spreader-bar had four cables with hooks that attached to the four corresponding lifting eyes. The spreader bar was then hooked onto the crane, and the boat lifted.
Cables can be dangerous in that a breaking cable can cause serious damage and injury. In the interest of safety and simplicity, the Miss Bardahl will employ a lifting system common on the current unlimited hydroplanes. This consists of four nylon straps that meet at a common ring on one end. This ring is attached to the crane hook, and the four straps are attached to a lifting point. Each strap is individually strong enough to hold the entire boat, thus providing a large safety factor.
Further changes are being made in that instead of hooks and rings being used, a tongue and slot method will be employed to hook the boat. Slots (aluminum channel) will be placed in the boat (two aft, two forward), and each nylon strap will have a "tongue" of aluminum that will slide in. Then, a pit pin will be placed through a common hole in both pieces, thus securing the boat. This is the common practice on modern unlimiteds and provides a safe, yet efficient manner in which to lift the boats. Pictures of the slings will be added later.
