Removing floor on a d-class

scubadave · 24 March 2013, 13:06

Need to collect an old D-class but dont fancy taking my trailer, Does anyone know how easy they are to dismantle and roll or fold up in to a vw transporter sized van?

samt · 24 March 2013, 13:26

I believe the best technique involves lifting the boat up from the transom once bottle screws etc are removed.

Its hard enough on my Y-Class, and thats a lot smaller, I've only done it once, wouldn't fancy doing it again. If you've got a trailer I'd take that.

scubadave · 24 March 2013, 13:32

Thanks for the quick reply samt, I had a feeling it wouldnt be a straight forward job.

m chappelow · 25 March 2013, 08:59

The bow board is bolted to the main one piece board by some strips of ( looks like conveyer belting ) by stainless steel nuts & bolts think there 10 mm .

The bottle screws are bolted to the bow board by
Much larger stainless 5/16th AF or 24 mm nuts & bolts ,
Problem with the bottle screws is there normal steel unless they have been greased up every now and then they can sometimes seize up if the boats been left full of water , though there is a small vent hole to let excess out that penetrating oil can be squirted into ,
The large lock nut on one end are usually ok as their stainless.

The stainless tubing Bow dodger frames can be a bit fiddly too if its not been out for a while .
Good luck & welcome to the club : )

scubadave · 25 March 2013, 11:32

Thanks for the info M Chapplelow. As long as i can get the main board out it should fold over in to the van, fingers crossed.

scubadave · 27 March 2013, 20:26

Just picked it up. Had a few problems. Are the belts holding the boards usually glued? Because these were bolted and glued top and bellow.

whisper · 27 March 2013, 20:59

Did you get it back ok?

What's it like?

scubadave · 27 March 2013, 21:28

Looks ok whisper. Still in the back of the van so will inspect it tomorrow. Had problems taking the floor sections out as the conveyor bands were glued down.

whisper · 28 March 2013, 10:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by scubadave

Looks ok whisper. Still in the back of the van so will inspect it tomorrow. Had problems taking the floor sections out as the conveyor bands were glued down.

Ok, while the floors out pump it up and get some fairy power spray (green bottle) and a scotch pad and clean all the hypalon with a little warm water too. Rinse with plenty of water, it should come up nice

m chappelow · 29 March 2013, 10:43

Depending on when your boat came out of service when you remove the floor board there may still be traces of French chalk left in the corners comes out with a bit of scrubbing ,

As a Matter of interest do you know the old operational number,
if its been covered up on the tubes it's also stamped into the strip of wood across on the inside of the transom or on a rubber patch under the bow dodger .

Unless your planning to do it its not s bad idea to completely undo bottle screws clean then re- grease back up with waterproof grease .

If you find the floors a bit tight to put back in place a dusting of talc or French chalk on tubes helps it drop in place .

scubadave · 29 March 2013, 10:55

Managed to get the floor out yesterday. Guy i bought it off said his son bought it direct from rnli a couple of years ago via staff sales but hardly used it. Been left in the boat yard. Its 473. The one whisper spoke about.

m chappelow · 29 March 2013, 15:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by scubadave

Managed to get the floor out yesterday. Guy i bought it off said his son bought it direct from rnli a couple of years ago via staff sales but hardly used it. Been left in the boat yard. Its 473. The one whisper spoke about.

at least you have a bit if its past history or you can get its service history if you ever need it ,
you can tell people its pro-belly done more capsizes than any other boat too lol
Mart.

scubadave · 29 March 2013, 22:55

Ah yes. Saw the capsize video. Hoping to get out on the east coast with it soon. Maybe brid. Whisper. . The power spray is working a treat :-)

whisper · 29 March 2013, 23:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by scubadave

Ah yes. Saw the capsize video. Hoping to get out on the east coast with it soon. Maybe brid. Whisper. . The power spray is working a treat :-)

Yeah works for me too, also use the scotch pad when you rinse it down just to make sure you get it all off

Planning a sib club adventure soon if you want to bring it down

or you should start east coast sib club

maxitope · 29 March 2013, 23:45

hi want to give my honwave a good clean before season starts do u know if power spray and scotch bright will be ok to do the job.