Clearing the Deck

I think we mentioned in a earlier post that we were considering flipping the boat upside down to work on the bottom.  Others have done this http://2842j24.blogspot.com/2009/08/bottom-fairing.html, and it looks like it could make working on the bottom of the boat a lot easier, both to do, and on our shoulders.  We've talked with Doug M who has some experience in getting his J/22 from the horizontal position back upright, so we are planning to give this a shot (more about  how in a later post).  But before we can flip the ol' boat, we need to clear the deck.  So this past weekend, we took off all the hardware that (1) either we weren't going to use anyway, or (2) would get in the way when we go to flip her.  This included all the stanchion bases, bow and stern pulpits, and a variety of other hardware.  Below is a picture of 2762 ready to roll!

The remaining question is once it is flipped, where should the support beams be placed?  There is a nice flat spot fight at the stern (aft of the lazarettes) that we think would work for support at the back.  Our main concern is up near the front.  The deck curves, and we are not sure how best to support the full weight of the keel.  Another option is to take off the entire main hatch (slide and cover) and build a post to help support the weight of the keel directly.  But we still need to choose where to locate a cross beam on the bow.  In addition, I think we will build some small supports to hold up the gunnels of the boat right where the bulkhead attaches, as that will both help to support the weight of the keel, and provide some side-to-side stability.  Feel free to add suggestions!