Overturn lightning for painting/ winter?

JeffTT · #1 08-13-2012

Ok,

I realize this is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too early, but I need to know if overturning a lightning 19 is possible with out destroying the centerboard/ trunk. I need to sand and paint the centerboard end, and the bottom needs a coat of paint.This may also be the way I choose to winterize the boat this year. Thanks in advance for the info.

blt2ski · #2 08-13-2012

You realize if this is a plywood lightning, it was built upside down?!?!?!?!?

I would not think twice about turning it over and painting, storing etc.

Marty

JeffTT · #3 08-13-2012

Sweet! I did not know that. Its a 70s era hull, so i guess that makes sence. This will make things much easier.

jaydon · #4 08-28-2012

Jeff
Funny, I had the same question. I'm on the RI coast and have a 1970 Lippincott. Maybe we should keep in touch on this. I guess removal of the centerboard is a must? Will have to figure this out. I was thinking of using the trailer to put it on? Maybe put a couple of 2x6s across the bunks?
I wonder how many friends it will take? Do you think it could be rolled on the ground; or does it have to stay elevated the whole time?
Jay

SchockT · #5 08-28-2012

When I painted the bottom on my Hotfoot 20 I located an heavy duty A-frame engine hoist and hung the boat to work on it. There were several of them around the boatyard, used to span over power poats to pull their engines.

CalebD · #6 08-28-2012

The (ILCA) class rules say the center board should not weigh more then 130#. I'd still want to be sure the board could not somehow damage the trunk if turning the hull upside down.

When I had to bottom prep and paint my Lightning a bunch of years ago I did it the old school method. I jacked it up above the trailer using the jack from my Honda Accord and blocking with chunks of 2x6 to support the hull above the trailer bunks. It wasn't that much fun working upside down, underneath the boat but it got the job done.

The class rules say that a Lightning should weigh >= 700#s so you'd need a few people to manhandle it.

JeffTT · #7 08-29-2012

I think the key here is to be as gentle as possible. Im thinking get as many friends as possible when the time comes and pay them in beer for lifting. (Excellent ). This may mean having to replace some of the woodwork, but for this season itll have to do.

SchockT · #8 08-29-2012

Why are you so set on turning the boat over? Why don't you hang it or put it on stands? It is far simpler and safer!

JeffTT · #9 08-29-2012

I certainly am open to other approaches. Right now the boat is at a friends property since I dont have the ability to store. It will be outside. I was thinking it would be easiest just to turn it over, but I am contemplating rigging something to keep the snow and rain, etc from pushing the tarp in that's on it now. I really don't want water, ice , and other stuff to sit in her over the winter.

CalebD · #10 08-30-2012

I kept a 14' day sailor on a trailer in the oak woods for a number of years and mice and other varmints found their way in and nested in the foam flotation under the deck.
More recently I had a Lightning parked in the same woods while on a trailer and had a few problems keeping the tarps and water and ice from puddling up. A good structure under the tarp using the mast as the main overhead beam while laid down on the deck worked for me.

Varmints.