The Hays and Ros Clark Shiplift

The Hays and Ros Clark Shiplift. . , Why does Mystic Seaport Museum need a Shiplift? , Vessels such as the Charles W. Morgan need to be taken out of the water for regular repair, maintenance, and restoration. With this Shiplift, Mystic Seaport Museum can perform work on even its largest vessels. This helps preserve shipbuilding skills as well as well as the vessels themselves, while maintaining their historic integrity., Shiplift Statistics ,

Dimensions: 120 feet long by 38 feet wide , Capacity: 460 long tons, including cradles , Year Dedicated: 2007

, This project funded in part by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and many generous Museum friends, especially Hays and Ros Clark., The Shiplift consists of two main parts:

1. Vertical marine elevator to haul vessels from the water. , 2. Horizontal track system to move the lifted vessel ashore.

, How does it work? , Eight synchronized electric winches, housed in "pods," stand on the finger piers on either side of the dock. the center platform lowers to the river bottom, the vessel floats between the two dock piers, and the platform raises the vessel out of the water. The vessel is carefully cradled in specially positioned blocks and braces., A sophisticated computer system controls the lift, monitors and distributes loads, and protects the vessel from damage. Once the vessel is raised in its cradled, towing vehicles can move it forward on the track. The wheels on the cradle can then be turned so that ship and all can move sideways. This gives us space to work on multiple projects simultaneously., The concrete platform under the rails collects all waste generated during work. It complies with environmental regulations and protects the Mystic River's water quality and marine habitat.