get boat off trailer

[Dan Long]

I have a 17' 1972 that is going to need some serious work done to it. But first I need to get it off the trailer and up in the air. Right now it is in the garage on the trailer. I thought I could put four ropes under it about 4' apart and slowly lift it up enough to pull the trailer out from it. Then I could have a stand ready to put under it. The ropes would lift from each side so as not to squeeze in the sides. Will this work or is ther a better idea for this. I will eventually have to replace the transom and the floor,stringers
Thanks for any help Dand

 

[JasonJ]

Re: get boat off trailer

If the boat is on the trailer squarely, and the hull bottom is well supported, then you have no reason to take it off of the trailer at all uless you plan on flipping it to do bottom work.

 

[LuckyPenny]

Re: get boat off trailer

What serious work are you trying to do? Any time you are working under a boat in a sling you are taking a big risk. However, if all you are looking to do is scrap, wash and paint a sling will work ok. Before you rip the ceiling out of the shop, you may want to run a pain of 4x4's across the joist and connect you straps to the 4x4 that way the load will be spread over the entire support system. and you do not have to jack the boat up to off load it. Once all the straps are tight, just let the air out of the tires and pull the trailer free.
Do not use rope to support the boat, it will streech and you will never get her back on the trailer.
Once your work is done, just back the trailer under the boat and re-inflat the tires.

 

[Dan Long]

Re: get boat off trailer

What serious work are you trying to do? Any time you are working under a boat in a sling you are taking a big risk. However, if all you are looking to do is scrap, wash and paint a sling will work ok. Before you rip the ceiling out of the shop, you may want to run a pain of 4x4's across the joist and connect you straps to the 4x4 that way the load will be spread over the entire support system. and you do not have to jack the boat up to off load it. Once all the straps are tight, just let the air out of the tires and pull the trailer free.
Do not use rope to support the boat, it will streech and you will never get her back on the trailer.
Once your work is done, just back the trailer under the boat and re-inflat the tires.

 

[Dan Long]

Re: get boat off trailer

Hi thanks for all the info I am not that sure how far down i will have to go on the transom before I get to solid wood.. I like the idea about the air in the tires. I will keep everyone posted on my progress I am sure this will not be my last post on this boat.
My other problem is that I can't seem to get at the bottom half of the transom because the top of the boat covers it have way up. Does this mean I have to pull the whole top off. Also this part of the top is cracked pretty bad also.
Thanks Dan

 

[bassboy1]

Re: get boat off trailer

A goood stand to set it on would be foam blocks. They are available for FREE at Northern ar Tractor supply or anywhere that sells utility trailers. The best way to get it off is to push the boat back off the trailer about two feet. Then put two foam blocks under the back. Jack up the front of the trailer so the back of the boat is resting on the blocks. Gently pull trailer while pushing boat off at the same time. When you get to the bow, hold the boat from sliding back with the winch. then put a block under the bow. Lift front of trailer up higher so bow is on block, release winch strap and pull trailer forward. The key is to keep the winch strap tight and loosen it as you push the boat back. If the strap is tight the boat will not want to fall off the blocks unless you are on a really steep hill. You mentioned being in a garage so there will not be enough of a hill.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: get boat off trailer

do your interior work while still on the trailer. just block the trailer so it is stable. when ever i do any work on mine, i put jack stands under both sides of the stearn, then jack the front till the springs are relieved, and put a stand there. you now have a stable platform.