2009 Packet Boat Progress
April 18: 2009: We turned the 1/2 hull by using basic tools of a "Come-Along", steel cable, a vehicle, inflated air bags, and lots of volunteer help. Our thanks to Mayor Phipps, Barry Long, Michael Tocci, Bill Hyson, and Barry Grove. We could not have done it without your help. Tim and John
Tim and John assessing the task.
Jesse Grove supervising to make sure we do it right!
The garden club planted beautiful tulips and it is a gorgeous day.
Air bags have been emplaced between each of the cradles to ease the bull down.
Tim gives a final briefing to the volunteers on the procedures.
John mans the "Come -Along" to ease the hull over.
The tarps on the steel cable are a safety procedure if the cable snaps.
The bags are all in position and the volunteers are at their stations.
The "Come-Along" is slowing turning the hull.
The safety caps on the bags are being removed.
Barry is checking a last safety cap.
Mayor Steve Phipps is monitoring an air bag as it deflates.
All the bags are being deflated in sequence.
An air bag is giving us a little problem here. Michael looks on as John and Tim wrangle with the air bag.
Success! The hull is has been completely and gently lowered into place.
The starboard half is in place. This is a view from the stern.
Barry Grove moves into position to remove some dunnage.
The ropes securing the air bags are removed.
Cleaning up the dunnage debris.
Note the ribs for the port half to the right in the photo.
John and Tim stowing the port ribs.
Photos by Callie Bowers
