That's totally insane. No way would I ever be comfortable with putting that big combine on that little boat. Don't they have a ferry boat or a small tugboat/barge that can take that kind of equipment back and forth across the water. I know you got to do what you got to do but damn. Definitely would have like to seen the whole trip with that.
I am thoroughly impressed. I would have NEVER thought it would be possible for that boat to handle the weight of that combine. Especially with its high center of gravity. I'm sure that these me have done this many times before so its just routine for them but for me to actuallysee it done...damn thats impressive. Great job. Spencer (CK) Paps
If it was my boat, I'd attach two outriggers to the boat, about 30 feet out from either side, using several plastic 55 gallon drums in a row. A single-hulled boat has a tendency to roll very very easily, like a canoe. The problem with loading this harvesting machine is not the weight, it's the high center of gravity.
They can get two boats together, side by side but not connected. Just fasten them with beams or scrapped truck chassis rails, then roll the harvester in position. It would be a much stable platform. Their method is too risky for such an expensive machinery, even a wave from passing boats can destabilise the load and tip it in