How can I jack up the boat to access the trailer boards?

[aggiedave98]

I need to replace the wooden guide boards on my trailer, but I'd like to do it while my boat is in the garage... with the boat still on it...<br /><br />Is there a way I can jack up my boat without damaging the gelcoat or fiberglass??<br /><br />I've got a 17 foot inboard/outboard.<br /><br />thanks.

 

[crab bait]

Re: How can I jack up the boat to access the trailer boards?

i'd pre-cut what you want.. take screws/bolts an cordless along.. float your boat.. try up out-the-way.. in the ramp park lot,, do the job..<br /><br />best/safest way..

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: How can I jack up the boat to access the trailer boards?

That would be the safest way for sure. Another suggestion I've read but not tried is to lower the tongue jack all the way thus raising the stern, block up the stern, raise tongue jack all the way raising the bow, block the bow, lower tongue jack till trailer is level. Be aware that working between a blocked up boat and trailer is very dangerous. If possible do it like Crabbait said.

 

[TimmyH]

Re: How can I jack up the boat to access the trailer boards?

only other way i can think of is taking it off the trailer and putting your boat on tires you'll need a few i just did it with my 15ft wood boat i used about 8 tires

 

[BillP]

Re: How can I jack up the boat to access the trailer boards?

I just replaced all the hardware and two bunks with my 17'/motor on the trailer...and done it several times this way. I took a floor jack and raised the bow up from the bunk and trailer. Then placed a block along the centerline at the bow and let the bow rest on it. Next, I jacked up one side (aft) of the boat off the bunk using a board to spread the stress but kept it clear of the bunk...and set another block there. The boat rested on one side while I worked on the opposite bunk. All blocks were placed on the trailer frame. <br /><br />It isn't a big deal or dangerous and the boat is only raised a couple inchs above the trailer on one side at a time. The other side is still on the trailer. You only need enough room to slide the bunk in. Fasteners are from the opposide side so top access isn't required.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: How can I jack up the boat to access the trailer boards?

I've done this several times as CalicoKid has suggested, by using the trailer jack. Works slick and if done carefully the boat should be quite stable while you work on the trailer. ALWAYS use full size cinderblocks and ALWAYS run the stern ones at 45-degrees to the boat at the outer corners (or as far as you can reach and get around any bunks on the trailer) so the boat won't rock side to side.. A 1-foot length of 2x6 will keep the boat bottom from being marred by the cinderblocks.<br /><br />- Scott

 

[Mark42]

Re: How can I jack up the boat to access the trailer boards?

I did it by using a scizzor jack between the chine and the trailer frame. Use some padding like carpet scraps and wood blocks to spread the load. By jacking up the boat a couple of inches one whole bunk can be removed while the boat rests on the other bunk, the bow roller(s) and the jack. Of course, this may or may not work depending on your trailer's frame configuration and hull shape. <br /><br />I also made minor adjustments to the bunks to spread the load even between the two bunks and keel rollers by using a floor jack and a 1 foot length of 2x4. Support the bunk with the jack and 2x4 near the adjustment point, loosen bolts then raise or lower jack to adjust the position of the bunk. <br /><br />Be sure to use wheel chocks on BOTH wheels in FRONT and BACK because lifting from the floor can cause the trailer to move. Blocking only one wheel can cause the trailer to rotate on the blocked wheel.

 

[bounder4465]

Re: How can I jack up the boat to access the trailer boards?

I just posted a method of removing a boat with a link to photos. This method is just an option...not an end to all means.

 

[jtexas]

Re: How can I jack up the boat to access the trailer boards?

Originally posted by Mark42:<br /> Be sure to use wheel chocks on BOTH wheels in FRONT and BACK because lifting from the floor can cause the trailer to move. Blocking only one wheel can cause the trailer to rotate on the blocked wheel.

I've used similar methods with my car jack and scrap lumber to raise part of the boat a few inches for a short time...no problem.<br /><br />I highly recommend hitching the trailer to the tow vehicle for stability...but still chock 'em anyway since the truck will still rock back & forth a little.

 

[txswinner]

Re: How can I jack up the boat to access the trailer boards?

AggieDave your name says it all, take the boat early one morning with boards pre-cut and carpeted, launch boat.<br /><br />Otherwise, any slip and you have a hole in your hull or worse.<br /><br />Oh yeah gig'em

 

[kfraser]

Re: How can I jack up the boat to access the trailer boards?

I just sanded and painted a trailer for a boat I just sold. I had a buddy that was going to let me launch it in his small lake. Had everything ready to go on saturday so I'd have it done for the guy who bought it to pick up on Tuesday. My friend was a no show. I had to jack and block up the boat and slowly remove the trailer from beneath it. Jack it up, block it...move trailer ahead....repeat...Jack it up, block it...move trailer ahead....repeat...Jack it up, block it...move trailer ahead....repeat. It took about four hours...Trust me...launch it!

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: How can I jack up the boat to access the trailer boards?

Take it to a boat ramp on a slow day (weekday). It is the safest way if you have never done it before and you will save the time and money to block it.

 

[BillP]

Re: How can I jack up the boat to access the trailer boards?

You guys who want to splash it are worrying too much. The boat is moved so slightly when doing it on the trailer there isn't this big dangerous distance to drop or weight shift to upset balance. <br /><br />Here's a generous timeline for doing one side at a time on the trailer:<br /><br />3 minutes: chock trailer wheels<br />5 minutes: jack up frontside 2" and chock<br />5 minutes: jack up aftside 2" and chock<br />5 minutes: remove bolts holding old bunk<br />6 minutes: insert new bunk and install new bolts<br /><br />It took about an hour for me to do both bunks and 4 brackets down to the trailer frame. I laid out all the parts under the trailer first. If your bolts are stuck it will take longer. Mine were SS and came off easily.