Working on the Trailer

KVH

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
150
Where do you put the boat while working on the trailer if you don't have your own slip--and you're solo?

I'm thinking of renting for one month so I can take my time on the trailer bunks.

I can't see hogging a dock space for three hours.
 

H20Rat

Vice Admiral
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
5,204
Re: Working on the Trailer

with a little creativity you can do any trailer repairs with the boat still on it! Its relatively easy to replace a bunk, just have to figure out how to lift the boat. (actually don't even need to lift it. Just block it so it can't move, and then let the air out of your trailer tires.)
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: Working on the Trailer

Depends upon the size of the boat--up to about 18 feet you can lay it on the ground behind the trailer. Larger, up to about 24 feet and you can put it on cribbing--one support at each stern chine and one at the front keel. Larger yet and you need to have it lifted.
 

KVH

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
150
Re: Working on the Trailer

Mine is a 20' fiberglass Stratos with the typical hull design. With the motor it weighs about 2800 pounds. I don't think I'd dare try to support it. I can't think of anything I'd trust under it, unless I made something awfully sturdy, and that could take some real time.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,357
Re: Working on the Trailer

Mine is a 20' fiberglass Stratos with the typical hull design. With the motor it weighs about 2800 pounds. I don't think I'd dare try to support it. I can't think of anything I'd trust under it, unless I made something awfully sturdy, and that could take some real time.

Ayuh,.... I work under Trucks weighing 80,000lbs, sittin' on jacks, 'n jackstands....

Wood Blocking will hold up that tiny boat of yer's....

Ya could probably slide it off onto ole tires on yer lawn....
Ole truck tires hold up 20'/ 23' hulls all the time...
 

H20Rat

Vice Admiral
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
5,204
Re: Working on the Trailer

Mine is a 20' fiberglass Stratos with the typical hull design. With the motor it weighs about 2800 pounds. I don't think I'd dare try to support it. I can't think of anything I'd trust under it, unless I made something awfully sturdy, and that could take some real time.

that is easy to support and quite light... That exact same method works on boats weighing 10x that...
 

dwco5051

Commander
Joined
Sep 14, 2008
Messages
2,519
Re: Working on the Trailer

I slid an 18' I/O off on to tires in the front yard about 30 years ago. An old COX tilt trailer. Did not realize what the coefficient of friction was between fiberglass and rubber. Ended up using a garden sprayer with water and dish soap in a garden sprayer and a come-along to get it back on. Took me about three hours if I remember right. My wife wanted to invite the neighbors and sell tickets since the circus wasn't it town that summer.
 

fibersport

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 18, 2010
Messages
104
Re: Working on the Trailer

I hung my 17-6" inboard from my garage ceiling to change out my trailer, I installed some 6" structural channel to my joists and supported those with 4x4 columns. I used a floor jack to lift the tongue as high as I could go then strapped the front lifting eye to the front channel, then I used a chain fall to lift the stern off the trailer. It would have hung there forever if I wanted to, although it was kind of scary to see the boat just floating there. The hull and engine weigh probably around 2400+ I think
 
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