See full version: Boat Haul Out
Before the boat is hauled out of the water, tell the travel hoist operator about any underwater appendages, such as fin stabilizers or pod drives, transducers, speed wheels and other things not easily seen when the boat is in the water that could be damaged by the travel hoist slings. "We are familiar with most boat designs", says Leszynski, "but it is helpful if owners mention things that may be special about their particular boat". more
It's normal for the owner to drive the boat into the travel hoist pit unless you have made alternative arrangements. Have plenty of fenders on both sides of the boat to protect the topsides should you be blown sideways. Listen carefully to instructions given to you by the yard staff operating the hoist who will have done this maneuver many times before. You probably won't need docklines because the boat will be going right into the slings, but check with the lift operator. Larger sailboats may have to back in to the pit and even have the backstay removed so the rigging will clear the hoist. The staff won't lift a boat with you or the crew aboard so they'll tell you when to get off and anything else they need you to do before vacating the boat. Don't forget to shut off the engines, air conditioners and other equipment before the boat is hoisted.
Once the boat is settled into her spot, inspect the jackstands. Ensure they have chains between them to prevent them from spreading, which could cause the boat to fall over. Be sure that the attachment points of the chain to the jackstands are secure. Sometimes the slits in the metal of the frame into which the chain links sit are torn or bent from use, which could result in slipping or failure. If a stand is severely rusted, ask to have it replaced. here
As a general rule, the workers in the yard have much experience moving and blocking boats, so it's best to leave it up to them as to how they do it. By all means watch, but don't interfere unless you see something that is wrong or unsafe; if you see a problem, bring it up with the yard manager. here
"It’s important that the purpose-built pontoon becomes the Walrus’ “safe space”. Something that he returns to, allowing him to rest, gain strength and ultimately leave Scilly to continue his journey home. [links]
Wally the walrus has been causing a lot of damage in the Isles of Scilly as he keeps trying to climb onto boats, but experts think he might be trying to self-soothe.
The statement added: "Boat owners are strongly advised to stop the Walrus from hauling out on boats by blocking access with temporary barriers and obstructions. [links]
Experts have said that the measures currently used to make Wally feel comfortable will not encourage him to stay and that it is in his nature to move on.
Sadly, experts who are monitoring Wally have said walruses are highly social creatures - and even if there are only two walruses on a beach they will lie touching each other for comfort.
A customised pontoon with his own scent has been built just for him, so he can have a safe space to rest before he can travel again. [links]
This isn’t just a crisis. This is a major crisis of epic proportions that isn’t going away any time soon.
And those houseboat owners may not be able to return to the lake any time soon, because water levels are expected to be significantly lower by October…
For years, I have been warning that Dust Bowl conditions would return, and now it has happened. more
I don’t even know what I’m looking at here. This is a disaster on every level, a mini jet boat, and center console all in one. The design is awful. Sad to see that name on the side.
One of the more famous Scarab race boats is the 38 Scarab KV, built by Larry Smith for KAAMA Race Team, raced by Betty Cook and John Connor. This boat won successive championships from 1977 to 1980. The hull was light for its size, 37’6” overall and lean with a 8’6 beam. Everything about the boat worked, and they are a stunning design. The hull became popular in racing, and that trickled to the consumer, but the greatest boost came after Wellcraft had the license with Scarab, and in 1984 the mega hit TV show Miami Vice came into the picture. In the inaugural season, Sonny Crocket drove a Chris Craft Stinger 390X, but when the show was a success, and the budget was increased, the show made a deal with Wellcraft for the 38’ Scarab, with an extremely eighties paint job. Orders for the 38’ went through the roof. Some sources say they built over a 100 38’ KV Miami Vice editions. Pretty savvy marketing for sure.
Team Scarab made an amazing 26’ hull that was renowned for it’s performance dynamics, with a deep deadrise and a pad bottom. Versions of the hull made their way to the Wellcraft lineup, and several 26’ boats were made, including this 26’ Wellcraft Scarab, featuring a very modern design. Scarab styling was always ahead of the curve. more
There is almost no way now Scarab can recover from the devastation set on it by using the name to sell mini jet boats. In the nineties, when Scarab was strong, there was a huge trend of mini jet boats on the market, everyone made one. It was short lived, as jets suck for most types of boating. Jets are very inefficient, and slow, and their only real advantages are that they are cheap, there are no gears in the driveline (they are just simple pumps) and there is no propeller to hurt anyone when you run them over. That’s about it. Which is why the Scarab line is destined for failure, the boats are a bad product, using dated technology, and the overall designs are awful. here
The striking paint job on the Miami Vice version shows off the incredible lines of the 38’ Scarab. Different variations were made over the years, but the original 38’ was a championship race boat that put Team Scarab on the map.
Although Beneteau group is a massive marine manufacturer globally, they bought a large scale business from Platinum Equity (Rec Boat Holdings) with legacy brands that are now just shadows of their former selves. Glastron now makes some of the most poorly designed and ugly boats on the water, Wellcraft just makes cookie cutter center consoles and will probably fail. That’s what happens when huge companies take over conglomerates. But, for some reason, I don’t really care about Glastron, Four Winns, or Wellcraft, but it sucks to see a brand like Scarab tarnished so badly. What was once one of the most reputable race boat and sport boat brands, now makes floating hot tubs delegated to pulling fat kids on tubes while getting about 1 mile per gallon. What a disgrace.