Have U Seen This?? Anyone know Him?

[Gazmn]

So I'm in the market for a boat lifting widget. I got a couple I'm considering; & then I came across this on u tube...

That's the quick version, here's the site

Anyone know this Mac guy?

& what do you think about the item?

[Tomfoolery]

I haven't seen it, but it looks pretty nice. They don't seem to say what the actual safe working load of the system is; rather, they mention capacity of certain components. Some component, including the structure, will be limiting, and the structural limit will possibly depend on the length the legs are adjusted to.

But for $1300 for a pair of them, I'd be inclined to make one myself, either from tube, or wood.

[Jimmyt]

Neat idea. Almost looks like the front legs are deflecting. May just be the video. Structurally, the design is interesting. He's loaded at the ends of the top members, keeping all of the thin tubing in compression, except for very short pieces, and the angle of the legs. I would want a little more meat on the legs and lift points, but it is a nifty rig - and it IS holding the boat up!

It looks light and easy to set up, also.

Personally, I'd probably go for ground support, which granted, takes a few more steps to remove the trailer. It's just safer to "backyard" a block on the ground.

But, for a NY man, $1300 is coffee money. Let us know how it works when you get it.

[Tomfoolery]

He's loaded at the ends of the top members, keeping all of the thin tubing in compression, except for very short pieces, and the angle of the legs.

Yes, but the bottom of the legs are chained together, so other than the self-weight of the tubes, the legs are only in compression. Unless that's what you meant in the reference to the angle of the legs.

Personally, I'd probably go for ground support, which granted, takes a few more steps to remove the trailer. It's just safer to "backyard" a block on the ground.

Same here, but I'd use blocking after the trailer is out. I'd block under the bow and stern, and leave the load shared on the hoist and blocking. If it lifts and holds the full weight of the boat, then it will certainly hold 50% of that once the boat is partially landed on the blocks. But then, I also leave the jack under whatever I'm working on even when it's on jack stands. Belt and suspenders. That's assuming it's for temporary bottom or trailer work; not as a semi-permanent storage system.

But, for a NY man, $1300 is coffee money. Let us know how it works when you get it.

I'm not sure it's even enough to be classified as coffee money these days, not in Manhattan anyway.

[Gazmn]

He's loaded at the ends of the top members, keeping all of the thin tubing in compression, except for very short pieces, and the angle of the legs.

Yes, but the bottom of the legs are chained together, so other than the self-weight of the tubes, the legs are only in compression. Unless that's what you meant in the reference to the angle of the legs.

Personally, I'd probably go for ground support, which granted, takes a few more steps to remove the trailer. It's just safer to "backyard" a block on the ground.

Same here, but I'd use blocking after the trailer is out. I'd block under the bow and stern, and leave the load shared on the hoist and blocking. If it lifts and holds the full weight of the boat, then it will certainly hold 50% of that once the boat is partially landed on the blocks. But then, I also leave the jack under whatever I'm working on even when it's on jack stands. Belt and suspenders. That's assuming it's for temporary bottom or trailer work; not as a semi-permanent storage system.

But, for a NY man, $1300 is coffee money. Let us know how it works when you get it.

I'm not sure it's even enough to be classified as coffee money these days, not in Manhattan anyway.

Thanks for comments & professional insights guys

I'm considering getting one & using boat stands to support rear. Eg, if I were doing bottom paint, I'd paint under the rear support & forward future blocking areas first. Then raise Mac from front support, remove trailer, properly block with dunnage & keel stand, then continue painting.

I figure it can also be used for centerboard work & maintenance.

It would cost ~ $650 with shipping 1. $1200 for 2. Which is alot even for NYC java.
Btb, I make mo$t of my coffee at home

[Don T]

Hello,
It takes him just as long to assemble his rig as it does to remove the trailer using cradles.
http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... it=+spring

Scroll down to the bottom of the first page.

Don T

[Jimmyt]

Tom,

I was referring to the upper attachment of the legs, which appears to be a rigid tee. As force is exerted down from the top, it appears that a moment could be imposed on the legs as a result of the way it's put together. Also, the connections between leg sections are not keeping the legs straight. Certainly not challenging you over it - just letting you know what I was thinking. But, I'm wrong most of the time (ask the admiral)... What happens with this rig in a cross wind? Looks like a side load could be interesting.

Gaz,

Sounds like a plan. Would be slick for temporary support - but definitely block it before you crawl under it. Like Tom said, 'belt and suspenders'. Good motto when working under anything heavier than Cindy Crawford.

[Highlander]

Tom,

I was referring to the upper attachment of the legs, which appears to be a rigid tee. As force is exerted down from the top, it appears that a moment could be imposed on the legs as a result of the way it's put together. Also, the connections between leg sections are not keeping the legs straight. Certainly not challenging you over it - just letting you know what I was thinking. But, I'm wrong most of the time (ask the admiral)... What happens with this rig in a cross wind? Looks like a side load could be interesting.

Gaz,

Sounds like a plan. Would be slick for temporary support - but definitely block it before you crawl under it. Like Tom said, 'belt and suspenders'. Good motto when working under anything heavier than Cindy Crawford.

Yep I think a good cross wind would be disastrous for this unit as there is no way to cross brace it , like Tom said good to take off the trl then support the boat on blocks , so really u could get by with just one unit , would not take or cost as much to make one for ur self making the inner tubes for joining the sections longer for more joint support , u could also very easily make one out of wood that could bolt together

J

[Gazmn]

Tom,

I was referring to the upper attachment of the legs, which appears to be a rigid tee. As force is exerted down from the top, it appears that a moment could be imposed on the legs as a result of the way it's put together. Also, the connections between leg sections are not keeping the legs straight. Certainly not challenging you over it - just letting you know what I was thinking. But, I'm wrong most of the time (ask the admiral)... What happens with this rig in a cross wind? Looks like a side load could be interesting.

Gaz,

Sounds like a plan. Would be slick for temporary support - but definitely block it before you crawl under it. Like Tom said, 'belt and suspenders'. Good motto when working under anything heavier than Cindy Crawford.

Yep I think a good cross wind would be disastrous for this unit as there is no way to cross brace it , like Tom said good to take off the trl then support the boat on blocks , so really u could get by with just one unit , would not take or cost as much to make one for ur self making the inner tubes for joining the sections longer for more joint support , u could also very easily make one out of wood that could bolt together.

J

Thanks guys.

I did make this out of heavy timbers a few years ago I wasn't all that happy with the setup & take down & thought an "official kit" would be better. It's just for transfer from trailer to blocks. I wouldn't leave it on unsupported. I just thought it was also cool he's a Mac guy

[Jimmyt]

It is a very neat idea. Part of my job is to find errors, omissions, etc - and sometimes it's hard to turn it off. As, you can imagine - doesn't make me a hit at parties.

Really enjoy your postings - don't want to see you pancaked... Looks like it would work for a quick transfer. Maybe it has a load rating you could check.

Agree - Always love seeing a Mac in a video.

[Neo]

It takes him just as long to assemble his rig as it does to remove the trailer using cradles.
http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... it=+spring

Yep that's dam good method Don ... I have it bookmarked for future use

[81venture]

I just built a permanent lift with 6x6 posts 4 ft in the ground

Cost about $300 Use it on multiple boats and exceeds the weight limit of this portable...I can lift 5000lbs +


Its a neat idea, but the idea of having to be "portable" isn't something I would see using