Taking off top cap tomorrow. Any tips for me?

[biggsie]

I think I have the hull all ready to split on my '86 Sunsport. Rub rail removed, rivits drilled out, Steering and throttle/tranny cables unhooked. Gunnells un-screwed, lift loops un-screwed, bilge hose, random wires here and there etc... The only thing I can't get off is the filler hose for the fuel tank. I may just cut it for now. Let me know if you have any tips on strap/rope placement and supports for setting it down. We will be lifting it off with a tractor bucket with forks or an excavator, not sure yet. Will also be pulling motor/tranny, which should I do first?

Thanks in advance for the help!

[jasun]

I pulled the Motor and then the cap. (not sure one way is better then the other though) it isnt as bad as it seems. I would support the sides of the hull so that when you remove the cap it doesnt just flop out. And really it doesnt become real "floppy" until you remove the floor. So make sure you measure several points on the side. It can be a bear to get back on if you went too wide on the floor.

I also had to cut my fill tube. It just was not coming off.

I used the front cleat and then took the vents out and put a long 2x4 and used that as a lift point. I then used a ladder and or a person to lift the back. It wasnt too heavy and was more of a balancing thing.

Here are some pic of it going back on.

http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad38/jasunderland/boat%20rebuild/null_zps95d77b6f.jpg (http://s919.photobucket.com/user/jasunderland/media/boat%20rebuild/null_zps95d77b6f.jpg.html)
http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad38/jasunderland/boat%20rebuild/null_zpsb84e046f.jpg (http://s919.photobucket.com/user/jasunderland/media/boat%20rebuild/null_zpsb84e046f.jpg.html)

i started with straps on the back but all it did was want to pull it forward.
http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad38/jasunderland/boat%20rebuild/null_zps2c04ef13.jpg (http://s919.photobucket.com/user/jasunderland/media/boat%20rebuild/null_zps2c04ef13.jpg.html)

also, watch your windshield.

[jasun]

a couple more pics

http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad38/jasunderland/boat%20rebuild/null_zps75dc8287.jpg (http://s919.photobucket.com/user/jasunderland/media/boat%20rebuild/null_zps75dc8287.jpg.html)

http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad38/jasunderland/boat%20rebuild/null_zpsfa65235f.jpg (http://s919.photobucket.com/user/jasunderland/media/boat%20rebuild/null_zpsfa65235f.jpg.html)

[biggsie]

Way easier than I had expected. Here are some pics.
134511345213450

[jasun]

underwhelming wasnt it?

I took the cap off by myself with 2 fork lifts.