questions re:33' restoration

[rainman]

i purchased a total refab boat. basics its a 33' wooden planked carvel flush(im guessing sloop) build in 1956 and designed by william j Roue of the bluenose. weighs in at approx 14000lb. the keel is cast iron. 1st problem the cradle either failed or the boat was not set in properly hence where the keel is attached is now bent and the majority of weight is on the right front cradle arm. question is what size cradle is recommended for a boat like this, does the cradle arms fully support a sailboat or is keel supposed be resting under load on the cradle? and is their a way to remove the keel without a marina lift?
i'm new to the whole sailboat world so any advice would be appreciated. mike

[PAR]

This isn't that uncommon a problem with old wooden boats. You probably have other "shape" related issues you need to deal with, so don't get real upset about the yard's (most of which don't know how to handle a wooden boat) cradling skills.

The boats needs to be blocked up and properly supported. This is application specific, meaning each boat is different and requires a fresh approach placing one on the hard.

If it's in need of a long stay ashore, then you should consider a custom cradle, if not, keel blocking and stands will do for a short time.

Most old wooden boats develop shape issues after a while on the blocks and afloat. They hog, the bilges can droop and a host of other problems. You would be well advised to call an experienced surveyor and have her looked over good.

The shape can be "talked" back into the hull, but it's a slow and difficult job, frankly imposable for the amateur to perform without considerable luck.

[alan white]

I'm imagining the deadwood shrinking over time and the keel bolts rusted into the floors/inner leel holding the boat up, which makes a gap at the garboard/keel joint, which allows the boat to hinge there.
If so, the first thing to do is to check the hull for symmetry and twist. PAR's right in saying the job of re-alignment is no small thing.
The best indicator that you have a bad problem with the hull is a measurment of the midsection profile and a couple of profile measements halfway to the ends, and (if not visually obvious) a pair of straight wide boards (set on edge fore and aft across deck) , to check for twist.
Taking lines off the boat for checking symmetry is something that is done often enough that there are plenty of good articles available on how best to do it.
You gotta know where you stand first. No sense throwing good money after bad.

A.

[rainman]

thanks for the prompt reply, i have a boat specialist coming to assess the whole boat and give me a idea as to its damage and if its even salvagable. first i have to gut most of the interior so he can have an easy look at the structure. right now im just trying to shore up the cradle it's in for safe transport and working on. just wondering if their is a home way of lifting a sailboat in its cradle? reason being i quite sure the ballast will have to be removed for restoration or if unrestorable then removed for salvage. mike

[rainman]

alan, the hull by eye looks straight, your explanation of what might be happening sounds bang on from what i can see. im leaving the measurements up to this guy whos coming to assess it. theres no way im going to fathom restoring this without his input. either way i own the boat which is ok because i had a second plan already if she is not restorable.
mike