It started off so well, Tuesday 6th December, there we were at 9am prompt, boat present, crane present, so as usual we were a bit late. Things hadn’t got off the ground as it were – so we didn’t miss anything. But it wasn’t all plain sailing (excuse pun). Up to this point we thought all was well, HA, read on, what a couple of fools…
Watch your head matey…
LOOK OUT, NO BALANCING BEAM…!
Lift & separate…
What the hell were they doing lifting a boat right next to that – in a wind…?
Dave’s reaction as she was swaying towards it. Just missed, but even so I was ready with the camera…
Second attempt…
And we have lift off…
Afloat again…!
But this is what we found in the kitchen when we went on board, we suspect it happened either when she was tipped up on a very odd angle the first time they attempted to lift her out. (Yesterday’s post). Or in transit, in terrible weather…
We were gutted, just like the kitchen, it was trashed & look how far the fridge freezer had moved…
Glass mixed in with food & broken pots everywhere, under the cupboards was totally jammed. One half of a jagged glass even ended up in the bedroom…!
So the first time we went on board at Mercia we were both in deep shock, but who’s fault was this? We asked the guy in the crane, “not our fault, must’ve been done in transit.” We didn’t even bother ringing the haulage company because they would’ve just blamed the crane driver(s). Wouldn’t care, but we’d packed everything away & taped doors / drawers up just like you’re supposed to…
Note: The crane hire covered insurance for lifting in & out, & the transport company covered insurance for transit. So they’re onto a great deal there between them aren’t they? No proof who’s to blame, so neither is responsible, & the customer has no come back…
In summary to this sorry tale, I’d advise anyone having a boat lifted out & moved somewhere else to check it after it’s put on the lorry. Sod elf & safety, get a ladder up there. Then check it again before it comes off the lorry. If there’s any damage at any time, take photos with a time stamp & sue their asses off…
And I won’t even show you the photo of our 3 door wardrobe that ended up across the bed. One of the doors is glass too, fortunately it’s intact, but Dave had to get help to put the whole thing back in place…
To be fair it was only when we got things in perspective later on, we realised it was all cosmetic. In the meantime I was in tears & spent the rest of the day removing bits of glass from every nook & cranny. Couldn’t be helped it got trodden through the whole boat…
On a positive note the marina is lovely & so is our mooring, but you know what, that day I never even noticed…
17 comments:
Pleased that you have arrived at last and with no lasting damage. hope your not to upset with the mess and it does not spoil your new home.
Hi Heth & Dave,
What a 'smashing' welcome you had at Mercia. At least I now know what to get you for a 'mooring warming' present!
Hi phil & sal, no it won't spoil anything, it just set us back & took the shine off the day completely. Getting past it now.
Thanks H
Hi Kev, wine glasses pleeze lol
H
Glad you have arrived safely at your new mooring but a lesson learned for next time. Make sure everthing is packed away safely and cupboard doors clamped shut.
We have to go through the boat and secure everything every time we go to sea. Imagine opening the cabin door to that everytime you go on holiday!!
Naughty-Cal
Oh Heth - your boat was sooooo beautiful. Pleased it is only cosmetic.
You both certainly both need a glass or two after that.
Hi
Welcome to Mercia! So sorry that things were so smashed up inside, and do hope you get on top of it quickly. It reminds me of the first time we went down the Nene; the side of the boat hung on the chains in the lock and everything in the galley came off the work surfaces and spread over the floor.
We had soy sauce, vinegar and olive oil mixed up; would have made a tasty dressing if it wasn't for the bits of glass…
We're on Grebe 4, look in for a chat if you're passing.
Cheers
Bruce
PS Acrylic wine glasses next time?
;-}}}
Really? I was thinking more along the lines of a brush & dustpan from Poundland... LOL
Hi Both
Glad TT made it OK. The mess can be sorted, eh. It could have been worse. Did you see that NB on the news a couple of years ago? Finished up in the middle of the carriageway after it "fell off the back of a lorry" - literally. I wasn't going to mention it before....
Anyhow, well done, enjoy Mercia. We'll pop in and see you when we're down that way.
Thats what I used Kev,
Plus a few other utensils, sorry, ipliments of torture, sorry, items of cleaning equipment lol
H
Typo: Just invented a new word for implement...
Hi Geoff & Mags,
No I didn't know about that story! Ours could've been worse, a lot worse. So glass half full n' all that I guess we got lucky :-)
H
Hi Heth & Dave,
Here's a link to the story Geoff & Mags mentioned, I'd forgotten about this until today... and only a few miles south of you too... http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/leicestershire/4725524.stm
The crane out with the spreader bars and the strops wider looked a lot better than the lift in.
Yes, you're right Brian, we were surprised, it was an 80 ton crane without all the "bits" & they knew it was a widebeam. We were gobsmacked when we got there, no wonder the boat nearly slammed into that building!!! Thats the bit where Dave walked away...
H
Sorry, POINT at which Dave walked away - no more mention of bits lol
H
Thanks for that Kev, flippin glad I only saw that after lol
H
Post a Comment