For ease of convenience throughout the rebuild the roof structure was built about 400' away from where Maverick was first placed. Now we face the challenge of moving the hull up the newly built roadway, through two 45 degree corners and into the building. I looked around for months for parts to build a trailer system for the move but I was not able to salvage one that was worthy. I settled on the idea of a three skid platform for the hull that literally rolled over sections of phone poll rollers. The poles were left over from raising the building. This is the most challenging phase of the rebuild as I have never moved such weight anywhere near that distance. We will first try to draw it along with a logging attachment that is spec'd to pull 14,000lbs but in addition we'll use the dozer and an additional Kabota tractor for more pull/control as needed.
The cradle platform is now built. The boat has been jacked up 24" to reassemble the cradle under it. The first 10 feet will prove whether or not the whole idea will work.
These days I find myself dreaming of visiting Rio de Janeiro. After rounding Cape of Good Hope it will be a good place to gather up some new steam.
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| Three phone poles make the skids on the platform. Set on 3' phone pole rollers The cross members are notched into the skid poles and bolted with 3/4" bolts. This worked very nicely. |
