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Last Saturday we ran the dinghy down to Tacoma to watched the offload of Nordhavn 5263. Similar to visiting the yard, but on a smaller scale, watching the offload was an adventure, and an exciting part of the purchase and build process. We did have a minor difficulty in the offload, and Don Kohlmann of PAE Northwest handled it with an extraordinary effort.
We’ve posted more details and pictures of the delivery at http://www.mvdirona.com/topics/nordhavn/n5263delivery.aspx
I agree the slings should be tied together John. And, in this case, they were. Ironically that ended up being the source of the tangle. The rope tieing the slings together tangled in the fin.
But, I’m happy. The boat was gently launched and no damage was done. As they were unloading containers all around it, I had visions of an 80,000 lb containers swinging a few feet in the wrong direction.
One thing that’s really scary is the fact that they had to use a stiff-leg crane with single slings. My N55 was being lifted by a setup like that once and just as the boat came out of the water, the front sling slid up the bow rise and came off. The problem with stiff legs is that they have to balance the boat by the placement of the slings, and sometimes that means the forward sling is too far forward and on the bow rise.
A travel lift and lift each sling independently and that makes placement of slings easier, and they can be put where they are safest regardless of balance issues.
Since that day, I always ensure that the slings are tied together, and that double slings are used.
My stomach went fluttery looking at how high your boat was without either double slings or tied together slings. But all was well, but I’m not sure my heart could have taken it if that had been my boat.
John Marshall
Thanks Matt. As it gets cleaned up, it just keeps looking better. Another few weeks.
jrh@mvdirona.com
Congrats!!! She looks beautiful.
I completely agree John. Don Kohlman takes customer service commitment to a entirely new level. 45F water for nearly 10 min!
James Hamilton
jrh@mvdirona.com
I’ve go to really hand it to Don… going diving in his skivvies is above and beyond the call of duty. Outstanding. And I’m betting he didn’t have heat in the boat yet. Ouch.
John Marshall
James,
Thanks for sharing the photos with us. I am really looking forward to chatting with you when I am in Seattle on 27 Jan 10.
Thanks again,
Jim Evans
Fairbanks, AK