On Sat, 6 Mar 2004 08:47:36 -0000, "Nigel"
wrote:


Definitely don't do that. There should be nothing tied to the cradles.

Why? I can understand why you wouldn't want anything tied to single
props, but what would be wrong with tying a boat to it's cradle

Because it can pull the cradle out. Even tying to your own cradle is a
bad idea. If a wind kicks up it can start the boat rocking and
vibrating. That's the worst time you'd want a rope that might be
flapping around in the wind putting tension on the cradle trying to pull
it out.

If you HAVE to tie something off to the cradle (like tying off a tarp)
take the line under the boat and tie it to the one on the other side.
That way, at least the line is pulling the cradle in instead of out..

Must admit though, the idea of supporting a boat using guy ropes from the
top of mast, scares the hell out of me, don't know the maths and stuff, but
it doesn't seem right to me.

Actually, as long as the ropes are strong enough and they are secured
well at ground level and you have a big enough angle at the mast
(probably at *least* 45 degrees), it doesn't seem so bad to me. You're
not supporting the boat, you're only preventing it from tipping over
(same thing cradles do btw.) The rig should be able to take the stress.
Afterall, what do you think is pushing the boat over when you heel.

You may want to have multiple sets of ropes, one set at the top and one
set at the spreaders, kind of like the way radio towers are supported at
multiple levels.

If it's well balanced and you keep an eye on the tension so it doesn't
try and start to tip over, no big deal. Not something for long term
unattended storage though.

Steve