best way(s) to prevent hull distortion upon deck removal

[Craig W]

Hi guys (and gals) I have another, hopefully short, question here. I appologize for it seeming similar to msmorto's "Hull supports" I've kept my eye on that thread, but it seems a bit more general (JasonJ's answer did help some) . Can you provide any advice on ways to properly/best/easiest support a hull to prevent any 'extreme' disotrion once the upper deck is separated and removed? I realize there may be some flex after removal. I just want to avoid anything severe enough to damage the hull.<br /><br />The boat is a 19 1/2 foot bowrider currently sitting level on it's trailer (roller style) I have the floor removed -up to the bowride part, foam removed, gas tank removed, the I/O Merc engine will be coming out this weekend and I'd like to separate the upper 'deck' of the boat to allow access to the front section of floor and facilitate removing the engine by reducing the lift over height.<br /><br />Is there (generally) sufficient support from a trailer with rollers to allow removal of all stringers and bulkheads and work within the boat -albeit carefully, once the upper deck is removed? I figured I best fire off the question(s) before finding out the 'wrong' way. I was thinking that as a precaution I could attach cross braces every 6' to 8' or so, running port to starboard on "stringers" that are running halfway up the sides of the hull -to keep the hull from spreading open?<br /><br />any thoughts, insight or recommendations would be greatly apprectiated. TIA

 

[DJ]

Re: best way(s) to prevent hull distortion upon deck removal

Craig,<br /><br />If it we're mine, I would "launch" it on the garage floor carefully blocked in place with timbers running the length of the running surface.<br /><br />Since the front floor is still in place, you do not have to worry about that area.<br /><br />Sitting on the floor should give you plenty of "lift over" room.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: best way(s) to prevent hull distortion upon deck removal

If the rollers go at least 2/3rds of the way it should be alright. The shell is surprisingly strong. Mine was gutted to the shell, no stringers, top, transom, any of it. What you do want to be concerned with on a V-hull is it spreading on you. You will want to measure at least every foot from transom to bow at the floor joint area crossways. That way when you get the top off and gut everything, you can then remeasure, and if the distance between the sides has spread, you can do something to bring it back to its proper dimension before laying stringers and floor. Leaving it on the trailer also helps to prevent spreading. I had no spreading problems, but mine is a tri-hull, which is less likely to spread. Good luck...<br /><br />

 

[Craig W]

Re: best way(s) to prevent hull distortion upon deck removal

thank you for the replies. I'll measure everything up and if things seem to distort after removing the deck I'll "launch" it on the floor and block it up to bring it back to shape prior to working in it.