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What is believed to be the largest haul-out of a private yacht ever on New York’s Lake Champlain took place Oct. 13 at Treadwell Bay Marina, a Boat U.S. Cooperating marina located near Plattsburgh, NY. The Marquis 65 had a LOA of 72’ 6” and weighed in excess of 100,000 pounds. The record-breaking haul began when owner Peter Palfalvi decided that a winter haul out was preferable to traveling 160 miles to Albany, NY. Besides entailing a lengthy boat trip, the boat’s top section would have to be removed to clear the fixed railroad bridge in the Champlain Canal. The only other marina on the lake with the capability to do the job passed on it. That left Treadwell Bay as Palfalvi’s best option. “It’s said in the carpentry business you measure twice and cut once. We measured three times and then once more,” said Bob Wazeter, the marina manager. When you plan on hanging a $2.5-million yacht in the air, mistakes can be quite expensive.” Service Manager Joe Ramistella set the wheels in motion by contacting Marine Travel Lift about the marina’s 50-ton hoist -- the company assured him it was capable. The boat’s manufacturer was also contacted to get drawings of the hull and for any advice. When the day arrived, 6,000 pounds of fuel was off-loaded and water tanks emptied. As the massive boat was gently squeezed into the concrete lift well under the hoist, the fit was so tight that the fenders had to be deflated. A double-strap system with just a couple of inches for clearance was rigged. The operation took the better part of the day with no damage to the vessel, which is now resting soundly on the hard. Of course, the whole process will start up in reverse next spring. |
