Guys-
To add to the conversation, I'd offer something much safer and stronger than a ratchet strap for lifting.
In the industry that I work in we always use a strap called a SPANSET.
They're used for lifting everything from projectors and speakers to holding up lighting truss rigs.
They cost about the same as a ratchet strap but a $12 Spanset has a tensile strength of 5300 lbs per inch! Overkill, but...
They're also designed for lifting WITHOUT damaging the spot where they contact what they're lifting.
Here are just a few quick sites that I found that carry them.
Ideal for inconspicuous suspension of sound and lighting equipment, the Spanset™ model SS60 red-striped white core warning yarns provide positive indication for sling replacement.
You can always rely on SpanSet. Our practical solutions for fall protection, hoisting technology and load securing are individually manufactured for you using ISO-certified processes. They thus stand for maximum quality and work efficiency.
SpanSet will also support you after your purchase: with services, inspections and a comprehensive programme of courses and personal consulting for your practical requirements. And that's something else you can rely on.
If you know someone that works in the convention or lighting industry, you could likely borrow a couple of them.
Anyway, just thought I "throw" that out there as an option...
Here’s to the lighting guys. A friend at the marina let me use his electric “stage” winch to lift my A-4. I used some of my old climbing webbing for the sling. After 30+ years she was dirty and oily and it got all over the webbing. Dan S/V Marian Claire
Well I went out to the boatyard today and spent a few hours on the boat. They had towed it from my slip over to the boatyard and hauled her on Thursday, while I was at work. So when I showed up, it took me a few minutes to find her. They've got some way cool boats on the hard there.
I removed the bulkhead in front of the engine, all three batteries and the battery box for the two house batteries. Then I disconnected everything connected to the engine and removed the prop shaft bolts and engine mounting bolts. I also yanked the manifold and brought it home.
At this point, the engine is completely disconnected and just sitting in there, waiting to be plucked from its resting place.
I'll post a couple pics once I process them from the camera.
The previous owner relocated the manual bilge pump there, but it's never been hooked up. So you could merrily pump away at nothing. I took it off and plan on relocating it back up to the cockpit somewhere.
Here it is after I removed the bulkhead, the manifold, the batteries and the battery box:
Yeesh, huh? A bit of a mess. I'm going to replace that big, rusty old bilge pump with a modern one.
Of course, while trying to keep the prop shaft from turning so I could unbolt the flange from the back of the engine, I managed to drop the pipe wrench in the bilge. I did this immediately after I had the thought, "hmm, I wonder if I should tie a leash onto the pipe wrench in case I dro..... o, crap."
I didn't actually say "o crap", though. I said much, much worse than that.
I couldn't reach it, and won't be able to until the engine is out of there. Fortunately, I managed to get the prop shaft unbolted anyhow.
That's a very pretty hull.
I bet she sails straight.
I have that same old PAR bilge pump— circa 1985?. I went through mine and cleaned it up a bit. it works well. If you are really chucking it, maybe I can give you a few bucks for it? The more bilge pumps I have, the merrier I am.
I'll fix anything–it's personality flaw in me.
Russ
sigpic Whiskeyjack a '68 Columbia 36 rebuilt A-4 with 2:1
I'm not chucking the bilge pump - it's in excellent working condition. Near as I can tell, it's never been used - it appears totally clean inside.
I plan on locating it somewhere up in/near the cockpit, rather than down there in the cabin. Doesn't make sense to me to have it down there, plus it never was hooked up anyhow, so it was doing no good where it was. I want to hook it up in the cockpit or lazarette or something so it's quickly accessible up above.
Bill,
I was lusting after your electric "big, rusty old bilge pump", not your manual pump.
I too, am going to finally mount up my Whale brand manual pump next spring.
I want to put it where I could pump it while driving the boat. I figure nothing beats a scared man with a bucket, but you can't steer the boat while running up and down the companionway steps.
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