Welcome Dockwise!

Swear to God we're not together ... LMBOROTF!

CatalinaDYT

Sorry guys, I just watched "Sleepless in Seattle" the other night...

This is some way to derail a thread. Although maybe CCamper IS Catalina Camper. Hmmm.....
Hey Cat,
I'll post some of the photos I have from when I was onboard and give em all a first hand perspective.
Have a nice day (you two).

Or Camper has split personality!!??.

Thread derailed==========-------------
More pics to get On track again!!

Carl was first on this one

http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/y...ckwise-yacht-transport-launches-new-ship.html

Here you go Talon. I took these shots when I spent the day aboard the SS 3. Watched the entire operation, from submerge, to float off/float on and deballasting. The crew, all in orange jumpsuits, buzzed around like busy bees all day, barely takinga break until all was done. This research was for a story for The Triton, and now is on Dockwise's site: http://212.204.204.8/downloads/files/Dockwise 0611.pdf (shameless plug but here so you can get additional info, nothing in it for me).

Pic 1 - Shot from on the deck before the action starts
Pic 2 - The submerging, or ballasting procedure begins
Pic 3 - Flooding the deck continues
Pic 4 - A tight squeeze. But Capt Rick did a great job manuevering this baby out. Crew helps with placing fenders along the catwalk. Not a scratch.
Pic 5 - Brand new Warren 87 arriving from Australia for FLIBS. Sean from Warren is on the back deck with a remote control backing out.

Yes he is. Gave me the tour during FLIBS and told me to come on down for another visit anytime. May have to take him up on that and get a few shots of the interior (that new camera has me clicking away like a Japanese tourist, no offense). Sean, let me know when the next one comes in.

Cheers Tom,

The Warren looks like a smaller version of a Sunseeker Predator.
What angle does the DYT ship have to keep whilst submerging, too much too quickly would have the yachts slip off the wooden props.

Ah hah!!! Now were talking!!! I am going to get a quote right away! Thanks so much.

Talon,
It takes a while for the ship to ballast. You really don't feel it. No sudden jerks, drops, movements. The aft lowers first (of course) but the entire ship goes down so it's not really on an angle. During the process, the load master is down on deck and the catwalks, with the captain in the aft wheel house running the pumps, always in radio contact.

I have seen smaller semi-submersibles in operation, so was just curious on a larger vessel.

I (Maybe others too!) would like to see this in operation by having a link to a video.
Snippits of starting to ballast, mid way, then yachts on, back to floating.
The media on DYTs site shows a cursory glance of the sinking / loading process.


Is this possible??

Jay

If my memory serves me correctly I think Dockwise was featured on a Discovery Channel or Travel Channel show called "Megaships"(?). The segment goes through the entire process of loading, transport and unloading. It's very impressive to see all the work that goes into this operation. It gets replayed from time to time. I have my Tivo set to record anything with YACHT and this show pops up every couple of months.

Here is a 5 min video from youtube that is shows you the process.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpNKBxa9LO0

Dear Talon:

Not sure what the angles are, Talon, but the yacht carrier crew, combined with our loading masters and draftsmen, are the ones to receive credit for smooth operations. I give them a LOT of credit!!! Besides, these ships were built purposefully and specifically for heavy cargo. We pride ourselves on safety and reliability.

BTW, Warren has been a loyal client for quite some time now. Thank you, Sean!

Smooth sailing,
CatalinaDYT

You are quite welcome. Glad to be of service...

CatalinaDYT

I do believe it takes six hours to balast, and vice-versa.

CatalinaDYT

We were featured on Discovery Channel's SUPER SHIPS. In addition, we were featured in another Discovery Channel special about MEGA YACHTS. I have a copy of both DVDs. Anyone interested, I would be more then happy to burn you a copy.

CatalinaDYT

Thanks for all the responses to my question.
The UK tends to lack Boat / Yacht programs of any substance.
If a copy is on offer then please put me down for one, so I can fully see the "Experts" at work.

How big are the exhausts on the new Dockwise Express? 4ft wide?