My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

I went to Forest today and they had it but it is discounted. It appears for whatever reason they are switching brands. Anyhow, I found it.

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

It is probably going to be a week or so until I am ready to paint. Got storms moving through, a couple storms moving through and a little vacation to take. Check back in with you all probably July 1st ish. TY

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

OMG, I just returned from the most awesome trip. We went to Colorado for a wedding and made it a vacation. The mountains are beautiful and I would move there in a heart beat. Now back to the project. Starting Monday July 2nd I will be back at it. Next on agenda is to assemble the rest of my hoist stand and flip the boat so that I can repair the bottom and paint it. Stay tuned to photos. Thanks.

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Ok I am back at this and only have about 4 weeks to finish. I think that will be long enough, if I keep at it. Today I will be assembling the hoist that will allow me to life the boat and flip it. I need to measure to double check if I can place the boat upside down on the trailer that has rollers or if I will need to build a rolling cart for it. The boat is just a hair over 17ft long and about 83in wide.

The hoist is being built similar to one I saw on here. I have 2 2x6's - one on each side. Then I will place a 4x4 over the top with a pocket screwing connection. I also have 2x4's or 2x6s (don't recall off hand) to help for an upside down V to act as legs for each of the 2 2x6 uprights. I will take a photo when it is together and post - I am hoping to see if you all think it is strong enough to do the job.

Provided the hoist goes together as planned today, is it safe to think I can grind out the bad areas of the hull, PB, sand, sand, sand, AND put 1 primer coat on it tomorrow (all in one day)? Just wondering.

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Well I am back and my hoist so far is not working. Any suggestion on how to connect the legs to the top to add strength. Also open to reconnecting ideas for the V frame or A frame base of the legs.

This is a picture of the frame I made. It is very heavy so when I tried to stand in boat and pull it up, one side bent the 3" #12 screws and then they pulled out. Might have to go larger bolts. My initial goal was to use pocket screws to attach the 4x4 on TOP of the 2 x 6 but one of the screw holes pulled out. Not real sure how to fasten it all together.

This is a look at the bottom of the side pieces (2x6s) in what I call the V or A frame. I am not real comfortable with the strength in this either. Any guidance???


This is how I was attaching the two after the pocket hole pulled out. I am open to a new design. Part of my problem is I have spent so much money on the products to do the boat right, I am trying to save here.

So I can use any good opinions. Thanks.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Provided the hoist goes together as planned today, is it safe to think I can grind out the bad areas of the hull, PB, sand, sand, sand, AND put 1 primer coat on it tomorrow (all in one day)? Just wondering.

Even if the hoist system goes together & it works (I'm not sure that it will) I suspect that plan of attack is still a HUGE undertaking that is an awful lot to try & get done in 1 day. Don't forget the acetone wipe down after grinding or sanding prior to PB or paint application.


@ the hoist:

The base of each side doesn't look like it's wide enough to support the height of your hoist. It looks like it is very likely to rock forward or backward on it's legs. I would suggest plywood gussets to reinforce the joints at the base, the legs to the upright, and the upright to the cross beam. W/ the lumber you have, you will only be building 1 gantry frame. How are you lifting the other end of the boat hull? If you intend to try & balance the boat from 1 gantry frame, in a lifting sling of some sort, and flip the hull solo, you will also need to make sure you don't crush the gunwales inward as the boat rotates in the sling. So you'll need some 2X cross ties running from gunwale to gunwale to re-enforce the hull sides.

If you give me some time, I may be able to find a thread that had a similar gantry setup & he was able to get his hull flipped, I think.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

You will for sure need something much more substantial than that. Here's a pick of a GOOD Gantry.

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Wood, that is awesome. Some how I knew you had a good one for me. Man you are good. TY, I am on that first thing in the am. I also have that same hoist for one end. This I can do.
TY

JB, I already have the 2xs in place. I might consider adding a few more but otherwise the measurements are done and gunwales are supported. TY

I don't have the imagination to come up with something like this on my own but if I have a photo - I can do it. THANKS AGAIN.
aj.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Wood's pix is a good gantry as well.

But this is the thread I was talking about & the gantry he built & used. It did not start out this way. You'll see through bolts & some Simpson deck building bracketry. This one combines a cradle & a gantry.

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Jb, I saw the big heavy duty one and while that would be great if I had my own place, I doubt that would be good for a) living here at apartment, or b) saving money on this aspect of the restoration. The second one is much more do-able but I really like the one Wood posted as it will allow me to store it and reuse in the future if I need to. I will make each side as a single unit, and then have a 4x4 beam between the two that can be removed making it a 3 piece deal for storing. Perfect for my situation. I really just needed to see a good design to go from. Was hoping to get at it today but we were invited over by neighbors and are going there soon so looks like another lost day of work. Tomorrow for sure I am getting on that though, and then will get as much into the bottom prep as I can. I really want to be working on the transom next week so time to bust some butt and get going. Thanks. Looking forward to hearing more from you all. (ps, I have been taking some small amounts of video with phone but that is only 1 or 2 megapixel and I clearly was not good at it. lmao. I will try to get them posted to youtube when I can - between everything else going on so you all can have some ideal of what I started with. My early photos were not that great either. I think I need to zoom out more and get the whole picture not just a small area in detail. I also ordered some small wireless cameras that I can prop and have better video of the overall project take place - still working on getting the recording part going right.) I will keep you all updated.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

That was for reference only, to show that you're not the 1st to have an insufficient gantry plan initially, and that the iboats crew will help ya get it figured out & moving forward. Wood won't steer ya wrong. Good egg that 1.... But the pix I posted shows that the hull cradle too, which you'll probably need before starting the put back, to keep the hull from going out of shape.

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!



It is not all sanded down and pretty but this should be strong enough. I am still going to add a 2x4 to each side of each leg, in a X pattern to prevent the legs from buckling under weights. So far all of it is made from 2x6s so it should be good and strong. I also realized today that I am NOT going to be able to just flip the boat upside down and put it back on the boat. So I will give some thought overnight to which option I want to go with for working on the bottom of the boat.

First option is to make a rolling cart like Wood did and flip the boat and put it on that. Not a bad option but at some point the apartment complex is going to start complaining and put a stop to my progress.

Second option is to put some 2x4s on the ground and flip it upside down where it is and work on it that way. This is what I would really like to do. Only problem is I still need electric to do the grinding on the bottom so I have to park close to our building. Otherwise I would flip it in a parking space in an area no one parks and there might not be any problem. hmmmm.

Third option is to do as much grinding and repair work as I can as it sits on the trailer and use this new beast to raise the boat when it comes time to prime and paint the bottom. Of course this is much more difficult and time consuming, but I am already getting the stares from neighbors. I fear any day now they will start complaining and the office will call me.

Perhaps a combination of option 2 and 3 is the answer. Grind with the boat on trailer then move it to an out of way area and flip in the lot. Hmmmm, I like it. Anyone think of any reason I could not lay 2x4s on the ground and set the boat on top of it - upside down? I do have some cross supports in place from side to side to maintain the shape and add strength to the sides and I am planning on adding a few more just for safety. What do you all think?????

Thanks.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Given your limitations w/ an apartment parking lot, if you must lay lumber on the ground & lay the boat upside down across them, I'd suggest a 2X6 'T':

It will lift the boat 7" off the ground, which isn't much until you spend some time working on the edge that's down. And wrap the top of the 'T' w/ carpet scraps or carpet pad scraps. In a pinch, use goodwill towels. It will have a 1.5+" point of contact w/ the hull, and it won't be likely to tip over. You will need to be VERY careful when you set the hull upside down & while working on it to prevent damaging the lip of the boat. It seems fairly stout, but it is still fragile. It would not be my first choice, but w/ limited options, we all have to do what we think best for us, our project & budget. I hope the T helps you get the access to make hull repairs.

But a little more work, 4 cart wheels (Harbor Freight has em fairly cheap), some screws & a few more 2X's, you could make a cart/dolly. It won't be as sturdy as WOG's but it could be functional for not much more money. And w/ careful planning, it could be a dual purpose cart/cradle.

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Jb, I am not sure I follow you on the T. My thought was laying the wood from side to side (with wood extending out past the sides some. Oh, are you saying to make a T with the entire 2 x 6? Both pieces laying the same direction length wise just one on the 2 by side and one on the 6 by side? Ok, that makes sense too. I am hoping to only have it upside down for about 3 maybe 4 days max. I will work longer days on those days to get that part done much faster so there is not extended risk of damage. I like the idea of towels or carpet on the wood - I had not thought of that. I will look again but I don't believe there is any damage near the lip of the boat that needs fixed, just on the bottom where they gouged it up pretty good. I could always do the lip work with it still sitting upright before flipping it if I find anything that needs done around the lip.

One question that come to mind is when cleaning with Acetone - is it better to use a sponge, white cloth or some other item? I really appreciate all the feedback and suggestions. You guys make this possible for me to do. I am also excited about this cradle as it will assist me in putting the cap back on when it is time. That thing was a beast to take off - very heavy. ty

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Yes, sorry, you got the idea @ the 2X6's. It'll get you 7" off the lot, give you a 5.5" face to lay down on the lot, & a 1.5" edge for the boat to sit on.

I'd use LINT-free clothes. They can probably be found at a big box paint store (HD/Lowes). And when you're cleaning, for paint or resin work, avoid the tack cloths sold in the paint department, in hot & humid locales, they can leave small spots of wax behind & mess up your work. To reduce acetone consumption, you can wash & dry the boat 1st, then most of the sanding debris will have been removed.

You need to be very careful working in an environment that will be tough to control. Acetone is very volatile and letting it sit out on an asphalt parking lot can be unsafe, same with the cloths you're using to wipe down the boat. Spontaneous combustion... Plus people coming outside to smoke. Find somewhere w/ good air flow & out of the sun to lay your rags out, and let the acetone fully evaporate, it will happen fairly quickly.

And the management of the complex may frown on you running those rags through the complex washers & dryers. There maybe some odor involved. Unless they are unusually filthy, they should wash out ok, but you probably won't want to use them for anything else. Don't mix them w/ anything that will put lint on your lint-free rags.

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Ok, I was looking at Wood's homemade cart again and I will just do that. Then I can flip it 1 time, do all the bottom work, move it to an outer area (so no one complains) and then clean, sand, clean, sand, clean and paint. Not that much expense in those products and I already have the wood. Just need to run to HF which I need to do anyway and pick up 4 wheels. Good deal. Off to take care of that. TY

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Well I feel like I made progress today but it was only in attempts. I have learned that the straps in the front are NOT sufficient. Need cable like I have on back. I also need a stronger eye bolt on back to lift with as this one bent.

Just wondering if I am missing something in the way others have connected to the boat, lifted and actually flipped it. I hear some people do it with 6 guys but fact is I am 1 woman and may be able to get 1 or 2 guys at most. So I need to let the rigging do the majority of it. I am open to ideas. My thought was to hoist it up and have it flipped in mid air then lower it down. Is the transom strong enough to do that without the plywood attached if I put an eye bolt through one of the motor holes? What are your thoughts??? ty

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

This might be of use for you...Hopefully you can understand my BAD drawing...

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Based on WOG's drawing, I suspect the transom has already been installed to carry the weight of the hull during the flip.

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

WOOO HOOOO! Thank the Lord, the boat is upside down! Now some real work can begin again. We ended up using a pulley wheel attached to the transom and that also allowed us to roll the boat over once in the air. I have learned a lot during the flipping of this boat, and trust me it will all pay off when it comes time to flip it back over and when putting the top back on. Thanks all for the info. I am super excited now as I am ready to get back at it. Still able to keep on schedule of working on transom this coming week if I stay at it everyday.

So here are the photos. There will be another posting with additional photos of bottom of boat.

Obviously when lifting the boat it is important that it be lifted evenly DUH! Some days I think my brain takes a break. :facepalm:

If my grandfather were alive and watching me yesterday he would have said, if you don't know how to cook - get out of the kitchen. I am sure you guys are tired of people trying to cut corners and save money. What I learned in this is to do it right the first time and it will save you money!

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