gunnel cap removal jig 23'

[dandub20]

anyone have pics of how they built jig to remove gunnel cap? Got idea of what im going to do but some pics of previous removal set ups would be great! thanks

[strick]

The caps are very flexible and can be lifted off with straps and hoists with straps positioned properly...or if you want to build a jig then one can go through the trouble.

Strick

[dandub20]

i have no access to hoist. I did a 20' years ago and i just screwed 2x4's across it and a few buddies lifted it up and i pulled boat fwd. Only issue was when i put it back on it didnt fit the same. Maybe when the glass kicked it shrunk a little. Now im doing it to a 23' and after looking at the difference in the 20' cap and the 23' looking like the 23' cap will hold form better with it going across transom.

[SeaChuck]

I am sure some 2x4s screwed to the cap and manpower to lift will work. It is not heavy. a few wacks with the sledge helps too

I believe the issue with reinstalling is actually the side walls of the hull flex out a little with the cap being off. I have seen others using 2x4s screwed side to side , inside, holding the side walls together.

I used two long ratchet straps and flexed the side walls back inward for the reinstall.

hope that helps

[dandub20]

yes, thank you

[wattaway2]

I was able to get mine loose then put pvc pipe between the cap and gunnels then roll it off the back and onto saw horses wasn’t that heavy but easier having a couple buddy’s to help.

[strick]

I have a rolling platform that I made for the cap of my MA that way I could work on it easily

Strick

[Petey]

I used a few trees and used a chain fall. One Towards the front in one near the back. Also used a gantry just found the balance point in the middle somewhere.

[rcnight]

Don’t mean to hijack your thread, but just how difficult is it to remove the cap? Will the putty break free? Thinking ahead when I get into my 20. Want to recore the decks and transom.

[SeaChuck]

I have removed 2 caps , both 1973 23' .....no puddy just screws

2 chain falls , 2x4s and srtraps do the trick