Harbour slipway cradle installed after slight hitch

• Published date: 19 April 2024
• Publication title: Oamaru Mail

The five-tonne metal structure was installed early Wednesday morning

It was lifted over a fence and lowered into position by a crane, but once in place the problem was made clear.

The cradle needs to be able to roll down the slipway, but a mound of concrete halfway down the ramp raised a little too high.

The contractors discussed the issue for a bit, then decided to pick the cradle back up and install it lower down, skipping the mound.

The concrete was removed on Wednesday after the installation.

A Waitaki District Council spokesman said the extra work was expected to add less than $500 to the cost of the project.

The cradle cost $60,000 to make — the total cost for the project was set at $105,000.

It was created by Ireland Engineering Solutions in Oamaru.

The renovation also included concreting the top end of the slipway and replacing rails.

The previous cradle was about 60-years-old and made from timber. It had a maximum loading weight of 12...