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Righting a small sunk boat

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Worthyvess, Nov 5, 2024.

  1. Worthyvess, Nov 5, 2024
    #1
    Worthyvess

    Worthyvess Member

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    Any ideas on how to right this boat? Sad situation, happened after the recent hurricanes. It's in a canal behind the owner's house, which was flooded and needs to be remediated.
    It's an older man who takes care of his very elderly mom with dementia. He tried using a comealong to try to at least get it on his side of the canal, but took 3 hours to go 10 feet.
    It's within 75 feet of the end of the canal so a boat couldn't get enough running room to yank on it to right it I don't think. Any ideas?
    https://share.icloud.com/photos/054smOz1VPpsdEHinbWoLhGZA
  2. Hatterized, Nov 5, 2024
    #2
    Hatterized

    Hatterized Member

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    just a thought ~ "thinking out of the box here" ~..........perhaps contact a tree removal company, many use tower cranes and their outstretched boom could hover above the house and easily right the boat.......not cheap but if no other options could get the job done........either way best of luck to the older gentleman
  3. Worthyvess, Nov 5, 2024
    #3
    Worthyvess

    Worthyvess Member

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    Thank you! Thinking outside the box is probably what is needed here!
  4. Capt Ralph, Nov 5, 2024
    #4
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Somebody is going to get wet no matter what you do.
    Barrels or airbags and an air compressor will get it up to pump out or beach.
  5. DOCKMASTER, Nov 5, 2024
    #5
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    It it were me I think I would try to rig the stern to that corner dock pile. Maybe even a belly strap under the stern once you get it rolled. If that won't give enough lift height a barrel or bag at each corner and you should get it. You only need to get the transom just above waterline then pump her out.
  6. Capt Ralph, Nov 5, 2024
    #6
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    The thing that amazes me, most hulls built after the early 70s are (half) buoyant.
    Is that port transom caught on something? Find a come-a-long and pull that hull up & level.
    Then dam up the transom (or bag it up) to pump out the hull.
  7. Worthyvess, Nov 5, 2024
    #7
    Worthyvess

    Worthyvess Member

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    Thank you all so much!
    Capt Ralph, He did use a come-a-long to drag the boat across the canal to his side. But realized the Bimini frame must be in the mud, after he spent 3 hours to go 10 feet. Hooked it to a ring on the bow.
    Not sure how he could attach a come-a-long to the starboard gunnel... is that what you were thinking? Uprighting it is the problem. Then pumping it out is easy (I think!)
  8. Capt Ralph, Nov 6, 2024
    #8
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Somehow, someway, the stb stern has to get pulled to the dock and the port stern has to be pulled out/up by pulling against a good tree, land kedge or bollard.
    Can you get a wrecker in that back yard?
  9. Worthyvess, Nov 6, 2024
    #9
    Worthyvess

    Worthyvess Member

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    I'm not sure why you said the stern... not the starboard gunnel? Too much pressure on it, not easy to grasp?
    Really thank you for helping me to try to help him think this through!
    I don't think he can afford anything. The house is trashed, etc etc
  10. Capt Ralph, Nov 6, 2024
    #10
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    The stern and stern cleats / lifting eyes offer a better connection to the whole boat and that is where the weight is.
    Pulling on the gunnels will just rip things apart, including the hull.

    Next thought; This is dangerous work.
    You sure you want to risk your life?
    I would recommend calling FEMA, local county agent, EPA, Boat US or any storm support/clean-up group.
  11. Worthyvess, Nov 6, 2024
    #11
    Worthyvess

    Worthyvess Member

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    Ok thanks again.
    Im not doing any of it, but watching him on the comealong etc worried me. Feel bad for him. told him what you said... Fl does have a policy where you can surrender your boat to them but it says online it has to be floating. Maybe I'll call and see.
  12. Worthyvess, Nov 8, 2024
    #12
    Worthyvess

    Worthyvess Member

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    So the latest plan is to call a salvage company. I've heard they'll take it for free to salvage it.
    Thanks again guys!