Turning a 25’ hull with one chain block!


The only structural point in the workshop to support 1820 was the roof beams across the roller door entrance. First, we had to skate 1820 into position, half in and half out of the workshop. We already knew from unloading 1820 off the trailer where the balance point of the hull was. This time we needed to secure the lifting strap through the centreboard slot and around only one side of the hull. That way when the chain block started to raise the hull it would naturally turn it on its side. Sounded easy and logical! Chris came down on the weekend between the first and second Covid lock down in Melbourne to help.

In principle the plan worked although without a few anxious moments at the balance point and also ensuring that we didn’t damage the hull between the sides of the roller door. Chris came up with a rope and tackle system to control the swing of the boat and finally it was upside down and sitting on the previously installed castors supporting the weight of the hull on the keel.

Half way! The picture clearly shows the stringers. The castors were attached to some of the cross beams and these were braced and secured to the keel to take the weight of the boat when turned over. You can also see the extra temporary beams added to the port side of the gunwale to distribute the weight whilst it rested on its side.

Half way from the stern.
Me looking pleased we hadn’t broken anything yet!
Almost there! Chris with back to photo ensuring the stern didn’t swing round and Tony lowering the chain hoist.
Back in the workshop, upside down sitting on the castors ready for the next stage of work. This picture gives a good view of the condition of much of the planking and also the thousands of screws and washers!
The blue tape in the stern shot shows the marked waterline from when the boat was fitted with a motor and a lead keel. The transom had been replaced at some time in the past, we had the old one from Australian red cedar, the existing one was western red cedar. Not clear in the picture but all the plank ends at the transom were damaged beyond repair. A previous owner had used epoxy filler and scarfed in some unknown timber to repair some damage.