How to Turn Hull Upside Down?!??

[62 woodie]

Im going to be repowering my '62 Higgins 17' utility this spring. I want to apply a fresh coat of bottom paint also, and am thinking about how much easier it would be (to prep, re-caulk, paint, etc)if I turned the hull upside down, since the motor will be removed.

What is the best way to do this? I have an overhead "I" beam in my shop with two chainfalls, so lifting it is no problem. Im just not sure how to rotate the hull into the upside down position.
(note, the windshield has been removed for refinishing the deck.. and gas tank is out getting repaired - Are there any other things to be concerned about-interior bracing,etc?)

Any input on ideas or how you did it would be greatly appreciated!!! THANKS! Steve :confused:

[ 03-07-2004, 09:05 AM: Message edited by: 62 woodie ]

[Domesticated_Mr. Know It All]

I would remove everything I could. Motor ,seats, just about everything so it would be as light as possible. Then I would call up all my friends with strong backs and weak minds and bribe them with free pizza and beer. A 17 foot boat should be no problem for about 6 people. I'd suggest serving the beer after you have the boat where you want it. :D Good Luck. smile.gif
Peace----> Kevin in Ohio

P.S. Have someone take pictures. :cool:

[buhmkin]

That's the funniest thing ever. Why not turn'er upside down? You've got the I beam, so hook up a couple of pulleys with shop built slings (loops tied placing the knot strategically so that it has enough room to move). Six guys sounds bang on, and when it's done you better post some shots. These endeavours are always inspiring.

[Chris Boers]

Here is an article on the subject

http://www.acbs-bslol.com/Gadgets/UpsideDown.htm

I believe bracing is very important, especially with a utility. Using slings would probably be much safer, if you already have an I-beam. I know the shop that re-built the bottom of my 22' Chris Craft used slings and two free-standing I-beams.

[Domesticated_Mr. Know It All]

Another approach I've seen used successfully is rolling the boat over on a bed of old auto tires.

There was another post, awhile back, about building hoops and fastening them to the boat and putting the whole contraption on rollers. Then you can roll it, in place, for working in a limited space.

I guess it depends on your resources.
Pizza and beer are cheap. :D

[62 woodie]

Thanks guys!

This is all new to me.(wood boats) I never thought the 'ol "grunt" method would work . I didnt realize the empty hull isnt that heavy.

As for the overhead, Im still not too sure how to "flip" it with pulleys after getting the boat suspended with slings. redface.gif

Chris' post has a good idea supporting the boat, once upside down, with a cradle fastened to the stringers.

At any rate, a few friends and a "pizza-promise" sound like a definite! oh, I will try to get pics...might need them for evidence in court anyway! :D

[ 03-08-2004, 01:25 AM: Message edited by: 62 woodie ]

[Klaus]

Woodie said: As for the overhead, Im still not too sure how to "flip" it with pulleys after getting the boat suspended with slings.

This is how I turned a partly completed 26'hull that had 600kg of lead ballast already fitted to the bottom, making the total weigth over one ton.
It was done by just two persons, operating a wall mounted trailer winch.
From the overhead I beams two square shafts were fitted, spaced at the beam of the boat, so they could rotate in simple bearings when a large spool, full of wire rope, on centre of each shaft, was unwound by somebody cranking on the wall mounted trailer winch.
The shafts thus could be made to rotate independently by turning the winch handle.
On these square shafts the slings were fitted, on the one side fully wound around spools on the shaft with sufficient turns to complete the distance from one gunnel under the hull to the other gunnel.
The other shaft had no turns on the sling spools.

The slings were attached to the hull at just one side, at the gunnel.

Procedure;
Winding in at the winch that turned the empty sling spools, the hull was lifted a little off the supports so it entirely hung in the two slings.

The hull supports were removed next.

Now, the winch that turned the square shaft with the empty sling spools was slowly wound in, taking up the slings.
At the same time the other winch on the opposite wall was also wound in but this one turned the square shaft with the full sling spool, in such a way so the sling wound off it.

This way the hull was turned, one side being pulled up by the sling, the other easing out.

It is a bit hard to describe but clear as mud once you have seen it in action ;)

Just imagine the hull hanging in two slings. On one hull side the slings are getting longer and at the same time the slings on the other side getting shorter.
The end effect is the boat is always the same distance (a few inches) off the ground.
BUT, as the slings are fastened at ONE side to the hull gunnel, the hull gets rotated in the process.

Klaus, down under