This page documents the cradle project for hauling out the sailing boat Solveig. The cradle consists of six adjustable tripod supports. The work most urgently needed is proper welding of the tripod joints. The lighter tripods especially require reinforcement, as the thin steel tubes can be damaged if welded directly. The alternative to doing the welding on-site at Marina Tortuga (Mladost district, Varna) is to help with transportation of the parts to a workshop.
The Boat
Solveig being lifted out of the water by crane, showing keel and hull shape that the cradle must support.
Project Description
Tripods: Six in total — one pair heavy/robust (mid-ship), two pairs lighter (bow and stern).
Joints: Tack-welded but need full welding. Thin tubes must be wrapped with steel plates before welding.
Crossbars: For stability, X-shaped crossbars are required between the port and starboard bow tripods, and similarly between the port and starboard stern tripods. For the mid-ship tripods, crossbars should connect down to an anchoring beam under the keel.
Inserts: Adjustable height with drilled holes and fine-adjustment nuts. Reinforcement tubes with welded disks are planned to strengthen the top.
Pads: Constructed with welded plates and angle profiles, with adjustable bolts/nuts and rubber (or wood) for contact against the hull.
Base frame: A steel frame will connect the tripod feet, with additional support under the keel.
Parts missing: Some angled profiles, rubber profiles (or wood blocks), crossbar tubes, and base frame tubes.
Photo Gallery — Tripod Parts
Overview showing four of the tripod supports together.Lower joint on a lightweight tripod — wrapping with steel plate is essential to prevent tube damage when welding.Upper weld on a lightweight tripod (filename misleading). This also requires reinforcement with a steel plate.Steel plate wrapped around an upper joint of a lightweight tripod.Pad construction without rubber insert — shows plates and bolt connection.Pad underside with bolt designed to fit into the reinforcement tube.Insert with reinforcement tube inside for extra strength.Reinforcement tube with welded washer on top.Adjustment nut for the mid-ship heavy supports.Rubber profiles cut to fit the pads — ensure safe contact with the hull.
