May-be a DUH Question

[gallma]

Okay, this might just be one of those "duh" questions:<br /><br />1994 Chris Craft 197 Concept <br /><br />I've been cleaning this insane algae and water scum off my boat all weekend; I'd kept my boat in the lake all summer. (Thanks for all your suggestions on what to use--Sno Bowl is working wonders!) Right now the boat is on the trailer, and I can't begin to relate to you the angles I have to go at it. But, I was wondering how do you clean the very bottom that's actually sitting on the trailer? Thanks! And sorry if the answer is supposed to be obvious!

 

[rogerwa]

Re: May-be a DUH Question

There is a couple of ways I can think of..<br /><br />1) Get a hydraulic jack and some flat boards. position the boards along the keel and use the jack to lift boat far enough to get under the rollers or bunks. I use a 12x12 post about 16' long. I put it lengthwise along the keel to distribute the weight.<br /><br />2) Hook hitch to the car and loosen the winch cable. push the boat back from the stop far enough to access missed areas. This only works for roller trailers, not bunks.

 

[ndemge]

Re: May-be a DUH Question

How long can you hold your breath?

 

[gallma]

Re: May-be a DUH Question

Hmm... <br />Well, I have a bunk trailer...<br /><br />What will happen to the fiberglass/paint if I don't clean the area that is sitting on the bunks?<br /><br />Probably the only way it would ever happen is if I swam underneath the boat! And I didn't plan on re-launching my boat again this year.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: May-be a DUH Question

If you have bunks, you can still use the jack method. You may try to lift one side at a time . Also, I would insert something between the boat and the bunks while you are doing this just in case the jack shifts. You don't want to pinch your hands.<br /><br />I repaired my keel and installed a Keelshield using this method.

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: May-be a DUH Question

If your boat and trailer combo permit, you could put it in the water, then trailer it up a little crooked so that the dirty spots are exposed. This may be stressful to your hull however and/or your fenders may prevent a crooked load.

 

[mako]

Re: May-be a DUH Question

When painting the bottom I've used both methods that rogerwa has mentioned. And I've even unloaded boats onto blocks and it is pretty easy to do. By jacking up the stern blocking it and then pulling the trailer out and getting another set of blocks under the keel toward the bow.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: May-be a DUH Question

I'm a big proponent of doing everything yourself, but suggest you think about this: If you're going to leave your boat in the water all next summer, you need a coat of anti-fouling paint on the bottom and on the outdrive. This is one of those jobs that you let someone else who has the proper equipment do. Shop around for a price and get this worry off your mind.

 

[taz33911]

Re: May-be a DUH Question

I have to agree with Jack Shellac find somebody that is equipped to do that . Playing with jacks on boats could get you hurt if not killed .cars have flat areas to jack against boats don't.