Switching trailers in my garage with DIY lift

[cwella]

Hey Everyone,
Have a question I would love some feedback on. I want to lift my 16 foot Starcraft boat (motor off) that weighs about 6 to 700 pounds. I built a diy gantry crain that took the motor off no problem. Now I need to switch trailers and am thinking I can lift the back of the boat with the crain and if I build another smaller crain for the bow I can suspend the whole boat in my garage and switch trailers.

Im trying to figure out the best way to set it up. Do I add a rope hoist on the corners with a sling underneath or do I use the same chain hoist I removed the motor with using a 2x4 spreader. My concern is squeezing the hull and damaging the boat. Ive started to restore it and have gutted it some but the transom is still in. Whats the best advice for getting this trailer swap done.

Thanks a ton in advance

Be careful lifting the whole boat by the corners. Even at 600 to 700 lbs, the hull can flex or get damaged if the load is not spread properly. Using wide lifting straps with a spreader bar would likely be safer than chains or ropes pulling inward on the hull.

Support the weight close to where the trailer normally carries it, and avoid leaving it suspended longer than necessary. Lift it just enough to swap trailers and add extra safety supports if possible. Sounds like a great restoration project, good luck with the swap!

 

[Jimmy Starcraft]

Be careful lifting the whole boat by the corners. Even at 600 to 700 lbs, the hull can flex or get damaged if the load is not spread properly. Using wide lifting straps with a spreader bar would likely be safer than chains or ropes pulling inward on the hull.

Support the weight close to where the trailer normally carries it, and avoid leaving it suspended longer than necessary. Lift it just enough to swap trailers and add extra safety supports if possible. Sounds like a great restoration project, good luck with the swap!

Thanks, I have gotten some wide towing straps to use as a cradle and will use a spreader bar so its not compressing the sides. I'll be happy when this trailer swap is done.

 

[redneck joe]

Thanks, I have gotten some wide towing straps to use as a cradle and will use a spreader bar so its not compressing the sides. I'll be happy when this trailer swap is done.

follow the basics, itseasy. Have a celebratory beer ready

 

[Jimmy Starcraft]

follow the basics, itseasy. Have a celebratory beer ready

Was just out looking at it and what do you think about bolting a chain to the the transom using the motor mount holes. I could create a loop with the chain for the hoist to lift. The transom is in OK shape I'm still planning on replacing it during the restoration but thought this might be an easier way than a sling with spacers?

 

[redneck joe]

the transom will be fine the splashwell will hold fine

 

[Mc Tool]

far out man , we been talkin about this for ages now just get on with it so we can hear how it all turned out