Re: Work has started!
First of all, thanks guys for the compliments regarding tidiness, but that workbench was a mess, so I'm glad you didnt see it all. Its a 40x60x20 heated shop with a mezzanine at one end for an office and parts room. I ranch so I need an area to fix my "farming" toys too in the summer.
Now for the main part of my reply. How to get the boat off the trailer. On a scale of 1-10, 10 being the hardest, I would say doing that is around a 6-8 depending on what stuff you have for support and lifting. I read up about it on the internet but I will gladly share with you my procedure. First of all lower the front end of the trailer as low as possible, perferably till the hitch hits the ground. Then place, in my case, 3 axle stands on blocks with wooden shims on the top, so as not to damage the hull or transom. Start raising the hitch till the hull contacts the axle stands. Make sure all is well supported and continue raising the hitch. The boat will begin to clear the rollers or bunks. As soon as you have a 1/4 " clearance, support the keel as far forward as you can. Gently pull the trailer out from under the boat. Dont worry, so long as you have the stern properly blocked the boat will not wobble. You will have to support the keel as you clear each axle and cross member one by one. In the end you are left with the boat on "dry dock". Preparation is the key to any project, so just make sure you have good stands and good solid wooden blocks. Check and recheck as you begin to raise the trailer.
This morning I stripped the brake assemblies and ordered new stuff which will be in tomorrow. Watch this space for updates on Thurs/Friday.
