Slipway cradle installed

• Published date: 18 April 2024
• Publication title: Otago Daily Times (New Zealand)

The five-tonne metal structure was made in Timaru and brought to Oamaru on Tuesday night. It was installed early yesterday 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 was 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 yesterday 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, with the total cost for the project 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...