flipping wooden drift boat

FishWonk · 07-15-2009, 11:26 AM

Hi all,
I've got a 16' wooden drift boat with a UHMW plate on the bottom. I've got some rot and leak issues along the chine, and am thinking of flipping it over, taking off the UHMW, and inspecting then (maybe - I know it''ll be a ton of work) replacing/reparing the bottom. Question is, what are the tricks for turning a boat over to access the bottom, and how do I reduce strain on the boat's structure during the flipping process?
Any tips would be welcome!
thanks!
FW

bitterrootjim · 07-15-2009, 12:23 PM

As long as your boat is in decent shape, flipping it over shouldn't damage it at all. A trick I used to flip my aluminum drift boat over to work on the bottom was to tie a rope to the gunnel near the oarlock on one side, then stand on the opposite gunnel and lean back while holding the rope. Once the boat is on its side, just continue to pull back on the rope until the boat is flipped all the way over.

stevo · 07-15-2009, 12:31 PM

Many hands = softer landing for an upside down DB.
Also, a few loose tires can make a good landing zone.

mkwerx · 07-15-2009, 01:27 PM

Get a friend or two to help flip the boat. Place it either on some barrels or old tires. Make sure you've got enough barrels or tires to keep the boat stable, and you should be OK.

shorthair · 07-15-2009, 02:36 PM

Is it to late to say MT it first ??

Tall-tailer · 07-15-2009, 08:42 PM

My son and I built a wood frame out of 2x4's that we attached to the gunnels with scrape pieces of romex wire. Made the frame about 8 inches wider than the boat and added legs with diagonal braces. Used the frame and a buddy to flip the boat over with the frame attached. This put zero stress on the boat and with the legs right side up supported the boat at a confortable working level.

mkwerx · 07-16-2009, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tall-tailer

My son and I built a wood frame out of 2x4's that we attached to the gunnels with scrape pieces of romex wire. Made the frame about 8 inches wider than the boat and added legs with diagonal braces. Used the frame and a buddy to flip the boat over with the frame attached. This put zero stress on the boat and with the legs right side up supported the boat at a confortable working level.

Now that's some creative thinking

Good luck with the repair job, hope she's up and running soon for you.

FishWonk · 08-06-2009, 03:47 PM

Thanks all! (and sorry for the delay in responding - I was out in the woods for a while).

Not too late for anything, as we haven't started yet, but I don't know what MT is. Help???

I like the frame idea Tall-tailer - great thinking! I imagine we'll use that method, since we'll be working on the bottom, and having it up at a good working level is just what we're looking for.

Thanks again! Just the help I was looking for!
FW

iwanttofish · 08-07-2009, 06:37 AM

we made a platform from pallets and then it was easy to roll over and keep off the ground

stevo · 08-07-2009, 07:06 PM

MT = empty

FishWonk · 08-11-2009, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevo

MT = empty

ahem - now I get it

And here I was, trying to think up all the technical terms that MT could stand for.....

Feeling dumb,
FW

Orion · 08-11-2009, 08:51 PM

This is not a complicated process. Just flip it over! Lay piece of carpet unter the center of the chine opposite from the side you plan to lift. One guy can do it but it's way easier with two. Lift the boat until you have it stable on the far gunnel, One guy holds the boat on it's side, the other guy goes around to steady from the other side. With both guys on the side you want to lower, gently lay the boat down until it rests on the square stern and bow tip. A couple of small pieces of carpet under the bow and stern will also help protect those areas.