80,000 Pounds

80,000 pounds--That is the weight of Meandering Joy---40 tons.  It is hard to imagine lifting anything of that size out of the water and then moving it over land.  Marine Travelift was used to haul out the boat.  Marine Travelift is the world's premier manufacturer of boat haul out equipment. They have 40 years of engineering expertise in this field.  I certainly hope this equipment is expertly engineered.  

The first step is to get everyone off the boat and move it over to the sling.  I had gone inside to rest a little before the haul out because I realized we would be driving late in the night to get home so a  nap sounded like a good idea.  Before I could get to sleep I heard voices and popped my head out the door.  I heard a man's voice say "Whoa we got people in here."  Steve hadn't told them that Piper and I were still aboard. 
After we got off, the men at Embree marine started moving the boat with ropes--no need to turn on the engines.  

 Completely out of the water now.  Let's roll

 Notice how close the wheel is to the edge of the platform--not much room for mistakes

Now that the boat is out of the water and secure,  it gets a bath with a pressure washer.  It took at least an hour to get it clean.   After the pressure wash, the move toward the blocks and stands started.  

 These blocks and stands will be used to support Meandering Joy while on land.

 These guys have complete faith in the marine travel lift --they have to get up under the boat and adjust the height of the blocks as the boat is lowered. 

This photo shows the sling loosened and no longer supporting the weight of the boat. 

Straps were removed after the boat was settled onto the blocks and stands.  The stands provide balance needed while the weight of the boat is supported by the stack of wooden blocks.  The marine travel lift is taken back to the launch pad  and Meandering Joy stands on land waiting for bottom paint and new transducers.  Joy & Steve & Piper head for a cup of coffee and the 8 hour drive home to celebrate Christmas with family and friends.