24-28 May The Big Lift

The beginning of the week saw the completion of the knuckles on number 2 compartment as well as attachments of the new plating to the internal structure. Work was started on the port outboard towing knee. The first of the enclosures for the rudder gugeons was fitted up. After several days of discussion, it was decided to lift the SNYDER on its side in order to move the blocks to a new position. This was determined to be time saving. Three forty foot long 12 inch I-beams supported by 10 100 ton jacks would lift the side about 2 inches. The lift would be about 420 short tons. Calculations showed that there would be less pressure using the I-beams than was being exerted by the existing blocks. Wednesday saw the auxiliary blocks being moved in to place on the port side. Thursday morning the jacks were placed and the beams lifted up into place. Thursday afternoon, the vessel was lifted succesfully. The second shift moved the blocks to their new position. Friday was spent lowering the vessel back down. This was accomplished by the end of the first shift. The second shift moved all the lifting gear to the starboard side for the second lift on Tuesday. The yard was closed on Monday, Memorial Day.