Advice on flipping the hull - on dry land!!!

Ribtecer · 07 October 2018, 20:18

So having stripped the deck, I now want to flip the rib to repair gelcoat damage to the hull.

Do I roll it with the tubes fully inflated (my preferred option) or do it deflated?

Once it's fipped I will support it so no weight will be on the tubes long term.

So I suppose my question is, can the tubes take the weight of an empty rib during rotation?

Many thanks

Ribtecer

spartacus · 07 October 2018, 20:40

Having never flipped a RIB, my instinct is to have the tubes to pressure and use old tyres to cushion the procedure. There's no reason to have undue pressure on the tubes during the procedure. Get some guys over, equip them with leather gloves and the lure of beer, and they can support the hull on the flip. I'd have a couple of wooden dolleys to support the weight if the deck, rather than the tubes so you can work on it.

xpertski · 07 October 2018, 20:59

I’m wondering how to do the same on my 6.3m to do the hull- atm can’t see a way around preparing and polishing lying upside down under the boat!

phantom 19 · 08 October 2018, 07:02

I have rolled plenty over on the tubes fully inflated with no issues whatsoever, Humber ocean pro 6.3 and attaque, 5.4 searider etc.

I’ve not supported the deck, just left them on the tubes.

xpertski · 08 October 2018, 07:26

Presume you had to take all deck fittings off first though, console, seating, etc. So basically empty hull and tubes only

Ribtecer · 08 October 2018, 07:44

Thanks phantom19, so do you just drop it of the trailer on grass, and then with fully inflated tubes just get under one side and roll it over?

Sorry to be a pain, I don't want to damage what are great tubes.

Thanks again.

GuyC · 08 October 2018, 18:38

Will the tubes get in the way of any repair work that you are doing? With the boat upside down any spillage or dropping of tools etc will be on the tubes.

xpertski · 09 October 2018, 07:14

As another option, could the rib be chocked up using a car jack and blocks of wood? Anyone done that to work on the hull?

GuyC · 09 October 2018, 18:34

That is how I've done mine but my work is primarily on the inside and deck of the boat. I have couple of blocks under the keel at an intersections with some transverse structure and then a side block per side to keep it upright. I strap the side blocks together to stop the deadrise pushing them out of the way.

Whilst I've got mine upright, you could do it with the boat at a significant angle of heel which may make it easier to work on.

crui05 · 09 October 2018, 18:41

dont forget the tubes can take the weight of several people so a upturned hull will be no issue of pressure on the tubes.
done two of mine with no issues. just rolled them over on the tubes. on grass is a good idea though

xpertski · 09 October 2018, 18:42

Hi Guy could you post a photo? Sounds a good method

BigE · 09 October 2018, 19:35

How do you actually "just roll a RIB over"?
It's hardly a light little thing you can do in the garden by yourself.

Ribtecer · 09 October 2018, 19:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigE

How do you actually "just roll a RIB over"?
It's hardly a light little thing you can do in the garden by yourself.

Well I'm going to!!!

I'll take some photos.

Everything is out of my 5.4m Rib that will come out ( ie engine, console seatbox etc.) and I can lift all three corners easily.

I want to invert it to repair some old repairs that were done badly from underneath. I think ideally you need Isaac Newton on your side during gelcoat repairs.