Cap is separated - How to raise it so I can pull out the hull

97 Bumble Bee

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Apr 4, 2020
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Having a little trouble with this one, got everything sawed and cap separated but now the question is how to hold it up while I'm working on the hull. I've seen the guys with big shops lift it with a crane hook, I don't have that stuff. I've seen the cinder blocks method, little scary.

I have an engine lift but I need to go up at least 36" to clear the live wells. I could jack up the stern, build an A frame for it at the correct height and then do the bow but I feel like that's a lot of angle and something might get pushed out.

Can someone recommend a stair stepping method?
 

GA_Boater

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Welcome aboard.

If the boat is still on the trailer, remove the tires and also axle(s ) if more height is needed. Not knowing what boat you have makes it harder to to make suggestions.

3 2x4s, 6 friends and a case or two of beer makes it a snap with the right boat longer than 18 ft. to maintain safe distance.
 

Bondo

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Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,...... Is the boat indoors,..?? or outdoors,..??

If indoors, come-a-long the top up to the ceiling,.....
 

97 Bumble Bee

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Haha, thanks guys.. well it's only me, myself and I .. so that's three? It's a 17 ft bass boat, so pretty low already but with the trailer the seam is at about chest level, then I need to go up another 36" because the live wells will be hanging down. Maybe I should cut them off and reglass later?

It is in the garage so pulling up to the rafters might be possible, I was thinking the purpose of trusses is not to support from below??
 

GA_Boater

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Find some trusses in the ceiling and wedge a 2X4 along the truss with 2 2X4s angled from the side. Instant A frame for lifting a fairly light cap.

Brace the hull before lifting the cap so it doesn't spread. If the hull isn't braced, you may have a hard time putting the cap back on.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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I hung mine from the shop ceiling with ratchet straps
 

froggy1150

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Here is an idea for you. In my garage I ran a 4x6 wood beam across the trusses to spread the load. This was for working on cars. Specificly to support weight of a motor to pull fwd trannys. Depending on width needed and access to rafters you could throw 2 4x4 10 footers up there. 1 for bow and one for stern. And then pick from those
 

97 Bumble Bee

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Apr 4, 2020
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Ok, that's true, instant A frame, thanks guys. I've got OSB up there right now so may have to take some down to get at the trusses.. and find out how much mouse manure is up there.
 

GA_Boater

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Don't have to remove anything and have mouse poop fall on you. Tap with a hammer to find the framework or look for nail heads.
 

Cobe Marine

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Oct 5, 2019
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Ok, that's true, instant A frame, thanks guys. I've got OSB up there right now so may have to take some down to get at the trusses.. and find out how much mouse manure is up there.

1) Install cat in ceiling.
2) Wait 1 week.
3) Proceed with rafter work, LOL.
 

97 Bumble Bee

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Apr 4, 2020
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Haha, yea, well didn't have to find out. The boat was in there diagonally already so I went with your idea Scott, ratchet straps with hanger hooks, screwed them in through the OSB to the 2x4's, three rafters per end, bow and stern. I figure the cap is about 300lb, 3 hooks per end, about 50lb per hook so not bad at all. Thanks again
 

97 Bumble Bee

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Apr 4, 2020
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Ok, two months later cap is ready to come back down: ratchet straps are only one way, soooo.... gotta figure a way to ratchet back down??
 
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