Right Side Up for the First Time!

In his workshop, veteran solo sailor Sven Yrvind prepares to roll his experimental plywood test boat right side up for the first time. Working alone, the builder faces the delicate task of hoisting and turning the inverted hull without distorting its shape or letting it tip over on the concrete floor.

Rigging the Hoist and Choosing Knots

To lift the boat, Yrvind rigs an overhead chain hoist paired with flush pipes to control the hoisting lines. Selecting the proper knot proves critical for solo handling. Evaluating line security versus the ease of releasing tension later, Yrvind notes that traditional knots present distinct trade-offs: “The bowline becomes too hard. You have to use pliers or something like that.” By comparison, he points to another option: “The best for honest uh garrick bend. Very very easy. But, not so secure.”

Preserving Hull Geometry During the Inversion

Before initiating the lift, Yrvind addresses structural integrity. To prevent the light plywood skin from flexing out of true alignment under uneven lifting tension, he leaves the temporary building molds fastened inside the hull. He explains the sequential strategy: “saving them for the Oceanic version” while maintaining rigidity on the floor. Once inverted and resting on an even keel, he plans to substitute permanent bulkheads section by section at the front and back before removing the center molds.

Releasing Floor Fasteners and Turning Upright

The operation requires freeing the building jig from the workshop floor. Several retaining screws sit tucked beneath the hull in tight clearances. Setting his phone down on the floor to work beneath the frame, Yrvind unscrews each mounting point across the rear and forward sections. With the hull fully detached and secured to the internal molds, he carefully rotates the boat upright onto its keel.

Examining the Interior Volume and Preparing Bulkheads

Resting upright on an even keel, the hull interior becomes accessible for inspection. Yrvind begins organizing his sockets, spanners, and screwdrivers at the bow to unbolt the temporary molds. Measuring the internal layout, he prepares to install permanent transverse bulkheads that will lock in the hull shape permanently.

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