How to prevent hull distortion?

[jtrom]

I'm in the process of removing the cap on my 70's 15 ft. fiberglass trihull for a stringer/transom job. I've heard I could have some fitment issues when I put the cap back on .....how do I keep this from happening?...

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: How to prevent hull distortion?

Welcome to the iBoats DRY DOCK!!!

Will you be leaving the boat on the Trailer for the Repairs? If so then you should not have to much of and issue. Take some BEFORE measurements inside the boat at the deck level so you will know the proper width when you put it back in. I always suggest you make your deck templates BEFORE you tear out the deck, and mark the sides of the hull with magic markers, that way you know for sure that NO FLEX occured and you know where the deck should go back. Straps and braces will bring her back in alignment. I would NOT worry to much but... There is that possiblity so DO take those measurements and check them periodically during the reassembly process. Post some pics....We Like Em!!!!

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: How to prevent hull distortion?

I'm in the process of removing the cap on my 70's 15 ft. fiberglass trihull for a stringer/transom job. I've heard I could have some fitment issues when I put the cap back on .....how do I keep this from happening?...

You may be okay on the trailer as long as it has bunks and not just rollers.

 

[westexasrepublic]

Re: How to prevent hull distortion?

iF i COULD DO IT OVER AGAIN I WOULD DO TWO THINGS. I LEFT MY BOAT ON THE TRAILER BUT I WOULD ALSO USE RATCHET STRAPS AROUND THE HULL AND TRAILER AFTER I TOOK THE CAP OFF TO KEEP THE HULL FROM BOWING OUT, ITS NOT REAL BAD BUT IT IS NOTICEABLE WHEN TRYING TO PUT CAP BACK ON.

I ALSO BUILT MY DECK A BIT TOO HIGH, SO I WOULD ALSO USE SPRAY PAINT AND PAINT THE EDGE WHERE THE DECK MEETS THE SIDES OF THE HULL SO WHEN I CUT THE DECK OUT I COULD SEE EXACTLY WHERE IT USED TO BE.

IF YOU FOLLOW MY SIGNATURE LINK IT WILL TAKE YOU TO MY THREAD WHERE I JUST GOT DONE TACKLING THIS ISSUE BY CUTTING MY CAP A LITTLE BIT, IT WASNT A MAJOR SET BACK BUT I WISH I WOULDNT HAVE HAD TO CUT IT.