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Once the boat is out of the water, the quality of the chocking becomes an essential issue for boatyards, dry ports and owners. While bowsers, stanchions and skids provide the essential support, many professionals still use shipyard props or wooden reinforcements to complete certain configurations. An efficient practice, but one that has several limitations in terms of handling, ergonomics and adaptation to hull shapes.
It's against this backdrop that Navallift has launched its nautical forestay, a reinforcement system designed to secure sailboats and motorboats.
Why boat bracing often requires additional reinforcement
The weight of a boat generally rests on several support points, distributed between the cradle, the stanchions and the keel in the case of a sailboat. However, certain configurations require additional reinforcement. A hull with a high degree of tuliping, a boat exposed to the wind or a storage area subject to frequent movement may require an intermediate support point.
Traditionally, these reinforcements take the form of mason's props, wooden beams or systems manufactured on site. While these solutions fulfil their purpose, they are not always suitable for regular nautical use.
Equipment designed specifically for hull shapes
One of the special features of the nautical forestay is the upper runner, designed to follow the shape of the hull. The aim is to spread the load over a wider surface, while limiting the risk of slipping or marking.
At the base, an anti-slip pad ensures a firm hold on the floor, while a screw adjustment system enables pressure to be applied or released progressively.
This adjustability is an important consideration when setting up the shim, particularly when it comes to precisely adapting the load supported by each support point.
Two versions for sailboats and powerboats
The system is available in two models.
The motorboat version boasts a payload of 2 tons and an adjustable height of between 93 and 150 cm. Weight remains under 10 kg, at 6.65 kg.
The sailboat version, designed for taller hulls, offers a setting range from 153 to 210 cm and a payload of 1.5 tons. Weight: 7.65 kg.
Weight, an important issue in boatyards
Daily handling of dunnage equipment is an often underestimated expense.
Traditional metal stanchions, site props or steel reinforcements quickly become difficult to move when work has to be carried out on dozens of boats.
Weighing less than 10 kg, the nautical forestay is a lightweight piece of equipment.
This feature is of particular interest to material handlers, dry port managers and professionals who have to change storage configurations on a regular basis.
