Removing boat from trailer

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Roadrager50

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Apr 3, 2011
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Okay I hope I am in the right place. I am trying to find a way to take my boat off the trailer so I can do the proper repairs on it. I know some of you are saying just go put it in the water,but this is not possible due to the fact that I will be working on it for about two months. So any suggestions to do this on dry land?
 
Bondo

Bondo

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Re: Removing boat from trailer

bhile said:
What size boat?
Click to expand...

Ayuh,.... I'm Guessin' it's this 1,...
It is a twin axle with brakes on both axles and it sits under a 1977 Thunderbird Signa 18 with a 190 OMC Sterndrive.
Click to expand...

Throw some ole truck tires on the ground in front of a tree,...
Hook the trailer to yer truck, 'n the boat to the tree, then drive forward....

Use enough tires, 'n blockin' to keep it from tippin' on it's V....
 
R

Roadrager50

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Messages
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Re: Removing boat from trailer

Okay one way to do it. I don't like the redneck way of doing things. We all got a good laugh, so lets get serious. I want the boat when I am done working on the trailer. I have to replace the bunks,all new bushings for the springs,rewire the trailer and new LED lights. I am also redoing the brake actuator and putting new brakes and drums. That said is there another way to get it off without destroying the boat.
 
T

tx1961whaler

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Re: Removing boat from trailer

Actually Bond-o is serious, and cushioning the boat hull with car tires will keep it from becoming damaged. Unless you want to rent a crane and lift it off the trailer by straps underneath the hull, or have the marina lift it off with the giant forklift, you will have to block it off and pull the trailer out from under it.
 
MH Hawker

MH Hawker

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Re: Removing boat from trailer

Bond O is telling you a very good and simple way to do it, However you can have a wrecker come in and lift it off.
 
Nickypoo

Nickypoo

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Re: Removing boat from trailer

I just want to contribute another option here...

We used two 2" thick ratchet straps we got from home depot http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...0053&langId=-1&keyword=tie+down&storeId=10051

We drove (4) 2" pipes into the ground vertically. We then suspended the boat from the ends of these pipes using the ratchet straps. The posts in the front we had to space out with a 2x4 to keep them from bending inward.

It was solid but I wouldn't leave it like that on a real windy day.

You could use this method and build some supports out of wood for underneath if you need to leave it off the trailer for a while.

IMG_1678.jpg429614a7-cf24-48fa-a2a0-2e64ffe97e28_300.jpg
 
R

Roadrager50

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Apr 3, 2011
Messages
71
Re: Removing boat from trailer

Thanks T_Herrod this looks like winner. I do agree that I could probably build one for cheaper. I am going to call them in the morning and see about pricing. If it is too much then I get to build one.
 
C

Chip Chester

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Re: Removing boat from trailer

The boat lift shows it being used on asphalt. Google up some horror stories of jack stands (like those under the Swee' Pea) sinking into asphalt and subjecting the supported load to the cruel whims of gravity. At minimum, hard steel or lumber pads beneath all the jack stand feet are in order. Concrete is better.

The ratchet strap and pipe affair is dangerous in many ways. Ratchet straps are not for lifting (including supporting lifted objects) no matter how much they're over-rated. It even says so right on 'em. And the pipes... oh the pipes. No fore-aft fall protection, save for the soil that the pipes are inserted in. Launching the boat onto rubber tires on the ground would be much safer. Chip.
 
L

Lone Duck

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Re: Removing boat from trailer

someone a year or two ago explained on these forums a way to get boat off a trailer by lowering the tongue to the ground which raises the transom. Block the transom and raise the tongue which lowers the back of the trailer and leaves transom up on blocks. Pull trailer ahead, lower tongue and block again. Continue till trailer is out from under boat. I Have been looking for an excuse to try this. I think I would tie stern to a tree or pipe in the ground when moving trailer. Old tires sound like a great idea for blocking put between wood blocks and hull.
 
coolbri70

coolbri70

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Re: Removing boat from trailer

Roadrager50 said:
Okay one way to do it. I don't like the redneck way of doing things. We all got a good laugh, so lets get serious. I want the boat when I am done working on the trailer. I have to replace the bunks,all new bushings for the springs,rewire the trailer and new LED lights. I am also redoing the brake actuator and putting new brakes and drums. That said is there another way to get it off without destroying the boat.
Click to expand...

sometimes the redneck knows best, mostly when it comes to getting hands dirty usually knows the best way, unless he tells you to hang it from duct tape which could prolly work:D
 
Nickypoo

Nickypoo

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Re: Removing boat from trailer

Chip Chester said:
The ratchet strap and pipe affair is dangerous in many ways. Ratchet straps are not for lifting (including supporting lifted objects) no matter how much they're over-rated. It even says so right on 'em. And the pipes... oh the pipes. No fore-aft fall protection, save for the soil that the pipes are inserted in. Launching the boat onto rubber tires on the ground would be much safer. Chip.
Click to expand...

Straps generally say something to the effect of "do not use for overhead lifting". This is more of a lawsuit deflection than a description of their capability.

The pipes would bend before the soil gave way.

It's dangerous in the fact that it requires common sense to set up correctly. If you are unskilled then you may think it's dangerous. I guess not everyone can be an engineer.

Oh, and by the way... if you research the winch they use in that portable boat lift you will find a warning directly from the manufacturer saying: "This brake winch is built for multi-purpose hauling and lifting operations. It is not to be used as a hoist for lifting, supporting or transporting people, or for loads over areas where people could be present". But I'm sure that boat lift is plenty safe. Imagine that.
 
64osby

64osby

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Re: Removing boat from trailer

If your really concerned about dropping it on tires. Don't know what the boat lift stuff costs, instead buy a used trailer, use it as a temp and then resell it. Cost -$50 to +$50 after resale.
 
jbetzelb

jbetzelb

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Messages
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Re: Removing boat from trailer

64osby said:
If your really concerned about dropping it on tires. Don't know what the boat lift stuff costs, instead buy a used trailer, use it as a temp and then resell it. Cost -$50 to +$50 after resale.
Click to expand...

I was thinking along this line. Go to the marina and find someone that keeps their boat on the water and pays to store the trailer. Offer them a summer of free storage (in your yard) , a couple of hundred bucks and in return they let your boat sit on their trailer in your yard for a couple of those months.
 
boaterinsd

boaterinsd

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Re: Removing boat from trailer

jbetzelb said:
I was thinking along this line. Go to the marina and find someone that keeps their boat on the water and pays to store the trailer. Offer them a summer of free storage (in your yard) , a couple of hundred bucks and in return they let your boat sit on their trailer in your yard for a couple of those months.
Click to expand...

after reading all the thoughts on this another trailer is the best way to go about it IMO. I wrecker could possibly strap lift it for you off the trailer...
 
M

MAXXIE

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Feb 26, 2009
Messages
556
Re: Removing boat from trailer

Lone Duck said:
someone a year or two ago explained on these forums a way to get boat off a trailer by lowering the tongue to the ground which raises the transom. Block the transom and raise the tongue which lowers the back of the trailer and leaves transom up on blocks. Pull trailer ahead, lower tongue and block again. Continue till trailer is out from under boat. I Have been looking for an excuse to try this. I think I would tie stern to a tree or pipe in the ground when moving trailer. Old tires sound like a great idea for blocking put between wood blocks and hull.
Click to expand...
This would be the best way, IMO. I too need to replace one of my bunks. I guess the "yo-yo" that had it bfore me only replaced one at some point as one is rotted out & the other is perfect. Anyway, I came on this forum to ask this same question this morning. I'll be doing the work today. I still might just go to the lake & tie it up to the dock at the public dock if it's not to busy. Just my thought's on the subject.
 
P

petewv

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Oct 15, 2011
Messages
39
Re: Removing boat from trailer

i like bond-o's idea . My ? is how do you get the boat back on the trailer?
 
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