Cradle project — S/Y Solveig

Short summary

I need an experienced welder to finish a cradle made from six adjustable tripods. The tripods are currently tack-welded and the critical joints require proper welding. Estimated urgent work: 3–4 hours on the tripod joints (must be done by an experienced welder). There may be an additional ~3–4 hours of lighter welding and assembly work which is optional.

Technical details

• Tripod layout: 3 pairs (bow, midship, stern). Midship pair is heavy/robust; bow and stern pairs are lighter.
• Joints: all currently tack-welded. Lighter tripods have thin tubes — reinforce by wrapping steel plates around tubes before final welding.
• Cross-bracing: Bow and stern pairs should have two diagonal crossbars forming an X (welded at center). Midship cannot have X braces because keel blocks block the center.
• Inserts: telescopic inserts with pin holes + nut for fine adjustment; expected support height ~1.5 m, with insert protruding 10–20 cm.
• Pads: steel pad assembly with angled-frame and rubber (or wooden) insert to protect hull; bolt/nut alignment must allow pad face to sit parallel to hull.
• Base frame: ground frame tying all feet together and keel support that connects into the frame.

Measurements & fit notes

• Outer ground distance between parallel legs (approx): 3.5 m.
• Distance between top inserts (approx): 2.5 m.
• Typical support height: ~1.50 m (midship slightly higher).

Critical welding requirements

• Full-penetration welds or equivalent splices at the center of the X braces.
• Wrap plates / gussets around thin tube joints to distribute stress.
• Clean back to bare metal where the welds will be made (remove heavy corrosion).
• Stagger weld passes to avoid distortion; tack, align, then complete welds.

Photo gallery — tripod parts

Click an image to open the fullsize photo on your server.

Overview: assembled tripods, general layout.

Overview: different angle, spacing and pads.

Lower joint detail showing tack welds and tube ends.

Upper joint / adjustable insert detail.

Pad and frame with rubber profile.

Reinforcement plates and inserts.

Rubber profiles for pads.

Wrap plate / strap detail for reinforcement.

Parts missing / action list

• More angled profiles for pad edges.
• Rubber profiles for pads (wood blocks as fallback).
• Tubes for crossbars (bow & stern) and for the base frame.
• Fresh steel plates to wrap thin tubes if existing plates are corroded.

Suggested next steps for a welder

1. Inspect tack welds and the thin tube areas; recommend tubing/plate sizes if underspecified.
2. Confirm measurements and check alignment with the boat in the cradle position.
3. Weld wrap plates and critical joints; fit and weld X braces at bow and stern.
4. Fit pads, test-adjust inserts, and tie base frame together. Perform staged-load test and inspect welds.