advice on boat cradles?

[richofoz]

Hi all first off I apologize if this is in the wrong section or has been asked a thousand times already!

I had a quick search but may be using the wrong terms...

Any way I'm about to pull the rotten sole out of my boat and I'm assuming there will be other stuff that needs to go too.

Whilst i have access I want to replace all of the old wood under the floor.

I have been told if I'm pulling out all of the stringers the boat should be on cradles to prevent it from warping.

I can see two obvious way to support the boat.

1. Making some v shapes out of timber to match the shape of the hull.
(Maybe 4 over the length of the boat which is 4.5m)

Or

2. full length skids that would support the full length of the boat just inside the chines..

Which of these would be my best option?

Thanks, Rich.

[Herman]

Definately support the chines, these are a nice hard spot. Also support the keel, also a nice hard spot, and now you should be able to walk in the boat without the chines or the keel moving.

Supporting the relatively large area of the bottom is more difficult.

You could also get away with installing 3-4 supports athwartship, supporting the chines and the keel.

[gonzo]

Supporting the chines and keel is the proper way. Longitudinal cradles spread the weight on the framing you are removing.

[richofoz]

Excellent, thanks guys.

Rich.