Any words of caution for blocking up my boat?

[ericlcarter1]

I have been reading all day the ways people get their boats off trailers and block them up. I am (unfortunately) about to try this for the first time, and would appreciate any words of wisdom for things to watch for or what might go wrong. The boat is a 1985 Pro-Line 21 cuddy, with a jack plate and 200HP motor. The trailer is totally rusted out and not even road worthy enough to get to a marina for them to hoist off. It is currently at my warehouse, where I have access to use a massive forklift, and also a PODZILLA lift (which is basically a mini version of a travel lift).

I understand the concept of lowering the trailer down, blocking the transom, etc... Where I get lost is how to block it and still be able to get the trailer out from underneath. Should I use boat stands? How many points of support should there be when I'm done? What if the boat starts to lean or move forward when on the blocks?

I haven't tried it yet but it may be possible for me to straddle the hull with the PODZILLA and lift it with straps. If I can do this how many straps should I use and what kind? Where would you think the fulcrum is? Should I worry about the back end being way heavier than the front and it raising up?

I'm going to put add a couple of pictures of the PODZILLA. We pick up 16'(L) x 8'(W) containers with them, some weighing a couple of tons. Looking at the pics do you think this would work?

Thanks,
Eric

 

[rentprop1]

Re: Any words of caution for blocking up my boat?

hell man I envy you, having all that equipment at your disposal...if you can use the PODZILLA lift for a few days, just buy some heavy 2 inch ratchet straps attached to the sides of the lift and left slung underneath then just raise the lift till you can pull the trailer straight out the front, no need for a tow vehicle, just back it into a corner and leave it in the lift for a few days...if you need to set it down, use lumber or jacks close to the ground, just reverse the process to pick it back up....slide the new trailer under and lift back up if you need to make adjustments

by all means take pics and post them up as you do it

 

[rentprop1]

Re: Any words of caution for blocking up my boat?

forgot to ad, places like Northerntool and even Sam's club sells 2 inch straps very reasonable, if you can make a ratchet strap work, you will have a set for future projects.....

the rear is heavier than the front, I would say about 2 feet in from the transom and another under the bow for support

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Any words of caution for blocking up my boat?

I have seen folks lift boats with a forklift. Strattle the motor with the forks so they are about 1/2 way between the keel and the first chine. Lift it of the trailer and then set the bloody thing on the blocks.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Any words of caution for blocking up my boat?

Where I get lost is how to block it and still be able to get the trailer out from underneath. Should I use boat stands? How many points of support should there be when I'm done? What if the boat starts to lean or move forward when on the blocks?

Ayuh,... At a bare minimun, you need 2 blocks under the Transom,+ 1 under the forward Keel....
The Keel,+ the Transom are the only places strong enough to support the hull...
Stabilizing blocks can be put under the Chines...

If I can do this how many straps should I use and what kind?

Ayuh,... 2 straps of sufficient strength will do,... 1 near the transom,+ 1 about 2/3s forward...

I'd use your Podzilla machine...

 

[5150abf]

Re: Any words of caution for blocking up my boat?

I have seen folks lift boats with a forklift. Strattle the motor with the forks so they are about 1/2 way between the keel and the first chine. Lift it of the trailer and then set the bloody thing on the blocks.

I watch them do this at work all day, pretty crazy seeing a 25' Azure or a 28' IO pontoon coming at you 10' in the air.

 

[LongLine]

Re: Any words of caution for blocking up my boat?

That Podzila is the thing to use. If I were you, as a rookie at it, I'd lift it about 3 inches off the trailer and watch it very carefully before going any further. There have been accidents where the front strap slips because it's not positioned properly & boat "comes tumbling down". ... oops.... I also would not leave it in the straps for too awfull long. I'd block it as soon as possible. I've seen soon pretty heavy equipment lifted with straps and the trick is in the balancing. However none of what I've seen has been hydrodynamically shaped like a boat, although marinas do it all the time.

Tom B.
(LongLine)

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Any words of caution for blocking up my boat?

Man! I could sure use one of those Podzillas....Make a heck of a lift,engine hoist and many other uses..

 

[ericlcarter1]

Re: Any words of caution for blocking up my boat?

I appreciate all the info. from you guys. I'm going to buy some heavy duty straps over the weekend and pick this mug up sometime early next week.

I am also going to the auto store and picking up some jack stands, and I think I have some piece of railroad ties laying around somewhere. I will just ease this boat up a little at a time and see what happens. From what I've read and seen, once the transom is blocked off on both sides this should balance the boat and I can start blocking the keel. Right?

From what you guys have said I will use the PODZILLA, and be grateful that I have access to it!!! I will take pics of the progress.

Thanks again,
Eric

 

[Bondo]

Re: Any words of caution for blocking up my boat?

From what I've read and seen, once the transom is blocked off on both sides this should balance the boat and I can start blocking the keel. Right?

Ayuh,... That's Correct....

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Any words of caution for blocking up my boat?

Looks like the Podzilla is the way to go alright. Lots of pics please!

And although I'm sure folks are sick of hearing it....Do not use cement breeze blocks to support anything. Wood all the way or wood between steel supports and the hull. Those cement things can fail suddenly without warning.

 

[ericlcarter1]

Re: Any words of caution for blocking up my boat?

I appreciate all the help you guys gave me. I did end up using the PODZILLA to lift it. The only real problem I had was figuring out how to get the rear strap between the hull and the bunks. So, I did the ol' lower the front down, block the transom, then raise it enough to get strap clearance trick. Once I got the straps on it was no problem and it's currently sitting on blocks. Thanks again.