For many boat owners, launching their boat is one of the most nerve-wracking moments of the season. By the time their boat is suspended freely in the slings, their heart rate is already rising. Yet it is often not the actual hoisting that causes problems, but the preparation.
Some owners lack experience. After all, most of them only use a crane once or twice a year, in spring and autumn. This makes it all the more important to be aware of the key points in advance and to carry out the work on site without rushing.
Larger boats are usually launched or hauled out using a crane or travellift. In many inland waterways, however, and for trailer boats, using a crane is almost part of everyday life. Beginners, in particular, often wonder what really matters. The good news is that if you prepare properly, you can significantly reduce the risk.
Check the following before the crane appointment
- Have all the deck scuppers and seacocks been checked?
- Have the sensors, log transmitters or plugs been refitted?
- Is the strap position known or marked?
- Are the fenders and mooring lines ready?
- Is it clear how the boat is checked for leaks after it has been launched?
The correct strap position when using a hoist
One of the most important questions to ask before lifting is: where should the straps be positioned? Crane markings are the best guide for this. If there are no markings, you can ask the shipyard or use boats of the same design as a reference. Bulkheads below deck often provide useful guidance too, as the hull is stronger in those areas.
The rear strap must run clear of the drive mechanism. The front strap should be positioned far enough aft so that it cannot slip forwards. If there are no reliable guidelines based on experience, the only solution is to lift it carefully and move it in small increments.
A boat that is hanging at an angle must never be lifted too high. Once it starts to slip, it is almost impossible to control. That is why the straps should be secured to prevent slipping, both when trialling the lift and, even more so, during the actual crane operation. If you regularly use the same sling, you’ll save time later on if the correct position is permanently marked.
Casting off the mooring lines and fenders
Preparations should be carried out in the same way as before a mooring manoeuvre. Fenders out, mooring lines clear, responsibilities clarified. On the side where the boat is to be moored under the crane, there should be at least four fenders in place.
The ropes must also be long enough. They must still be easy to grip even when the boat is already raised or hanging low as it is being lowered. One person should hold a rope at the bow, and another at the stern. This helps to prevent uncontrolled rocking or turning, particularly in windy conditions.
Hot sling, hook and crossbeam
The way the boat is secured to the crane has a major impact on stability and load-bearing capacity. Four-point or scissor-type spreaders are ideal. They keep the straps largely vertical and distribute the load effectively. Lifting with a travellift is similarly straightforward.
However, care is needed with smaller boats. If the distance between the straps is too great, boats can slip through more easily. In this case, the straps must be secured with particular care.
A cross-strap is often a good solution for smaller boats, provided it is used truly across the boat and not lengthways. Lifting directly from a single hook is more problematic. This significantly increases the load on the hull, and the straps must be secured particularly carefully. Hot slings are only suitable for this purpose if they have been provided by the shipyard and the attachment points have been reinforced accordingly. Furthermore, the load must be distributed evenly within the boat so that it does not hang heavily towards the bow or stern.
Launching the boat
When loading a boat onto a trailer, it doesn’t have to be perfectly aligned right from the start. It’s often quicker to make a few minor adjustments by hand just before the boat touches the trailer than to manoeuvre it into position with the crane with millimetre precision.
With twin-axle trailers, manoeuvring can be made easier if the front wheel is adjusted so that the load is taken off one of the two axles. The reason is that, when taking tight bends, the axles work against each other due to their different turning radii. This creates a lot of friction and makes it difficult to move the trailer.
Liability for damage
If the operation is carried out by trained staff or a crane hire company, liability in the event of damage usually lies with them. Nevertheless, it is advisable to inform your own insurer immediately. This may be important if the crane hire company only compensates you for the current market value, leaving a shortfall.
Owners should also check the terms and conditions of the crane hire company, the port operator or the association. These may limit or exclude claims for recourse. It is precisely these points that your own insurer should be aware of.
Operating the crane yourself
In some inland waterways or at smaller facilities, boat owners have to operate the crane themselves. In such cases, they are generally liable for any damage to their own boat, and sometimes also for damage to the crane. It is therefore advisable to check in advance whether comprehensive and third-party liability insurance cover such incidents.
Anyone operating a crane themselves should make sure they are given a full explanation of how the equipment works. Naturally, the maximum permitted load must not be exceeded. When operating the crane, the rule is: start slowly, never get flustered, and, where possible, only activate one function at a time. Furthermore, a boat should never be lifted higher than necessary. The further it is from the ground, the more difficult it becomes to control the guide ropes.
Don’t let things get hectic at the crane
Pressure can build up quickly when crane bookings are very busy. The next jobs are waiting, the schedule is tight, and suddenly everything has to be done faster. That is precisely the moment when mistakes happen.
So the rule is: don’t give in to external pressure. Once the boat has been launched, it should not be removed from its cradle straight away. First, carry out a quick watertightness check. Only then should you proceed to the next step. Having a valve checklist on board saves time and ensures safety. Should any damage have occurred over the winter, the boat can be taken out of the water immediately whilst still in the cradle.
FAQ: Three important questions about the crane appointment
Who is liable for damage caused during crane operations?
If the manoeuvre is carried out by the crane company or by trained port staff, liability will generally lie with them. Nevertheless, your own insurer should be informed immediately.
When should the straps be removed?
Do not do this immediately after launching. It is a good idea to carry out a quick inspection whilst the boat is still suspended in its sling. This allows any leaks to be spotted straight away.
What is particularly important when it comes to smaller boats?
Above all, ensure the straps are positioned correctly and secured to prevent slipping. With a small boat and a wide strap spacing, there is an increased risk of the boat hanging at an awkward angle or slipping between the straps.
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Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital