I’m getting a lot of push-back on holding the crane day on April 29^th.  So I think we will watch the lake levels closely and target having the next crane day May 6^th.

That being said, we had some issues last crane day that were avoidable.  These issues caused the cranes to cost much more than they should.

It is imperative that everyone check their equipment (boats, stands, cradles, trailers) and make sure that they are completely ready to go!  Bry Pratt sent a great email out a few weeks ago on what to check.  I’m going to list a few important things.  Remember, this is YOUR responsibility as the boat, trailer, stands, cradle owner to check and take care of!

• Check your rigging.  Make sure turnbuckles turn.  Lube them up a week before hand.  Drop your mast BEFORE crane day.  Secure your mast to your boat! (bow and stern pulpit)
• Check your trailers thoroughly!
• Make sure bolts turn freely.  Make sure they are well sprayed and lubed PRIOR to crane day.
• Make sure pads are free and will go up and down freely
• Check your trailer hitch.  Make sure it functions properly
• Make sure pads have wood and carpet on them.  One owner did not do this last crane day and now has a hole in his boat.
• Make sure tires are inflated and HOLD AIR.  Do not just inflate them and expect they will hold air.
• Make sure the tires are in good shape and will not fall apart on the way to/from the crane out spot.
• Check bearings and brakes.  Make sure wheels are not seized up.  Great Salt Lake is a harsh environment.
• Make sure your name is on your trailer.  Put your name on the trailer near the tongue on the left side so they are easily identifiable.
• Check your stands.  If you have them at home, bring them out to the marina PRIOR to crane day.  Make sure your stands are labeled
• If you left your stands at the marina after we craned the boats in a few years ago, DO NOT ASSUME they are still here!  We highly recommended people take their stands home after the crane day a few years back.  We do not know what stands are yours or if they are still here.  Stands tend to be a hot commodity.
• DO NOT ASSUME that the pads to your stands are still here.  There are some stands out here that have no pads.  There are others out here that have a few pads but are missing other pads.
• Make sure the pads function and will go up and down.  Make sure they are sprayed with lube.
• Make sure you have wooden cribbing for your boat
• Check your cradles!
• Make sure pads go up and down on your cradles.  Make sure they are sprayed with lube.
• Make sure your pads are with your cradles.  There are some cradles out here without any pads.  Hopefully they are at your home where we recommended you take them.
• Make sure your cradle is labeled with your name.  It is not enough to say it is a “Lakepoint” cradle or a “Harrison/Wardle” cradle.  There are several cradles out here from both manufacturer.  Do not assume your name is still on the cradle.  Almost all the names/markings faded over the last few years.

The lake has dropped 2/10^th’s of a foot since its high in mid-March.  We will continue to see it drop for the rest of the spring and summer.  Crane day is still some time off.  Get out and sail but don’t forget to make sure you are completely ready for crane day by making sure everything works.  This will allow for the crane to be more affordable for everyone and make sure crane day is a safe day.

Thanks

Dave