Best Method to Invert Hull to Work on Hull Bottom

[The Tunaman]

[Moderator’s note: a second thread on this same topic in another forum has been deleted. Starting two threads on the same topic is very strongly discouraged.]

I want to rotate my 1980 MONTAUK 17 hull so I can start working on the underside of the hull

Q1: what method is best to invert the hull of a MONTAUK 17 to enable access to the hull bottom?

I am very worried that if I simply roll it over and allow it to pivot on its gunwale side, that it could crack or cave in the side of the boat.

Q2: will the hull of a MONTAUK 17 collapse it rotated onto its gunwales?

Q3: are the hull sides of a MONTAUK sufficiently strong to support its weught?

Q4: what equipment is needed to safely invert the hull of a MONTAUK 17?

—
The Tunaman

[jimh]

Before attempting to invert the hull, you should consider removing the railings, the center console, and the engine. Employ several strong men to assist you. An overhead beam and ratchet lifts can be used to raise the hull. The bow eye and transom eyes can be used as points of attachment, if those fittings are in excellent condition and have no sign of being loose.

[The Tunaman]

Hi Jim, Thank you for the reply.

My hull’s stern and bow eye attachment points are no good, so I cannot use them.

Getting back to an earlier question:

Q5: if I simply roll over [the hull] and allow it to pivot on its gunwale side, will that crack or cave in the side of the boat?

Q6: are the gunwales and the hull sides of a MONTAUK sufficiently strong to support its own weight during the inverting?

Readers who have advice are welcome to join in.

[Jefecinco]

If the work you are planning can be accomplished from beneath the hull you may find it easier to elevate the boat than to invert it. I don't know the answer to your question about the strength of the boat's hull sides. However, when I needed to apply bottom paint to my previously owned 1981 Sport 13 I used cribbing to rest it on its Port gunwale with the engine fully trimmed up. I took great care to ensure the boat would remain safely on its gunwale. This was done on a grassy lawn first covered with a vinyl tarp. The 13 was undamaged by the project. A 13 is certainly not a 17 but based on my experience I would try it.

Because of the light weight of the 13, a friend and I were able to safely pull the trailer out from under the boat and prop up the hull. For a 17 a little more help will probably be needed. If you have access to an A-frame and hoist that would be a safer way to do the job.

[jimh]

Repair the damage to the bow towing eye and to the transom lifting eyes before inverting the boat hull. You will need to fix those three fittings eventually, so do that job first.

[ConB]

To invert the hull use four men and a 12-pack of beer.

[fno]

I agree with ConB: find some friends, pull the boat off the trailer (no motor attached) and roll it over in the grass. Then pick it up with four guys and put it on a good set of horses. And buy some good beer.