Boat support??

[newellchunker]

Since I've removed the cap, and finished my transom layup, I was wondering if I have enough support under my boat to keep it from spreading and causing me a problem like Strick had with his?? Here are some pics showing the boat on the keel supports and boat stands on the sides supporting it. Whatda ya think?

[Old'sCool]

As far as the stands go you can tie them together...ratchet straps or something port to starboard

[newellchunker]

Hadn't thought about tying them together! What I was really concerned about is the hull getting deformed and spreading outwards and causing me major problems when I went to put the cap back on! Any ideas on this?

[McGillicuddy]

I think you've done a real nice and safe job of setting up. Regarding the spread, you may still want to consider notching a couple of 8' 2x4s and maybe a 10'er and lay them across the beam with notches over the open gunwale at a few spots just to be sure. Certainly wont hurt..

Strick or someone else might have a better sense of if it's necessary. Figure the boat's in its working place and since you know the potential for said side sag exists, why not counter now, especially if the project might take a while?

[BigLew]

Regarding the spread, you may still want to consider notching a couple of 8' 2x4s and maybe a 10'er and lay them across the beam with notches over the open gunwale at a few spots just to be sure. Certainly wont hurt..

Less than $50.oo safe vs. $????.00 pain- your choice! IMHO Good luck.

[KenB]

One version is to leave the cap on before cutting the decks, but the 20 thread on cape cod said that his hull seemed to bow out at the water line, not the gunnels.

On the one hand, new decks, stringers etc. mean the boat is in much better shape, even if it is actually a different shape. I think strick's boats look great so...

[bobbert]

The only thing I would suggest is to put some big pieces of plywood under the jack stands to keep the legs from sinking into the ground.
They always seem to sink in at different rates and screw everything up.

[strick]

I think you've done a real nice and safe job of setting up. Regarding the spread, you may still want to consider notching a couple of 8' 2x4s and lay them across the beam with notches over the open gunwale at a few spots just to be sure. Certainly wont hurt.

The spread occurs at the top. Measure your removed cap and then measure the boat to see if the they co-inside. If you are just replacing the floor then you will probably be ok. where I got into trouble on my 20 was when I decided to core the sides of the hull. That made the sides stiff and I was unable to flex them back to the original shape. Nice work.

strick