Storage w/ weeds between bunks & boat

[JBeeney]

I pulled my boat out this past weekend to winterize it, and unfortunatley the wind had blown a ton of weeds to the end of the lake's only ramp. I tried to get most of them out of the way before pulling the boat onto the trailer (the water was pretty cold), but it appears a good amount of weeds are now stuck between the boat and the bunks. Will this harm the boat's gel coat if it sits like this all winter? Is there anyway to get the weeds out without re-lauching/retrieving the boat in cleaner waters?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Storage w/ weeds between bunks & boat

Will this harm the boat's gel coat if it sits like this all winter?

Nope....

Is there anyway to get the weeds out without re-lauching/retrieving the boat in cleaner waters?

Ayuh,...
You can use a Jack,+ Blocking to lift the hull off the bunks....

 

[JBeeney]

Re: Storage w/ weeds between bunks & boat

Thanks.

The boat is a 1999 FW Horizon 170 w/ a 4.3L VP w/ SX. Any suggestions where to lift the hull (with the jack) and place the blocks?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Storage w/ weeds between bunks & boat

Ayuh,....

The Stern/ Transom is the Strongest part of a boat,+ the outside corners are the most Stable point to lift anything,...
So,...
I guess the outside corners of the stern is where I'd do it....

Just position the jack under the corner with blocking under it,+ a 2X4 shim or something over it,...
Then jack away,...
You only have to get enough space for removing the weeds,... A couple inches otta be enough...
If necessary, you can jack from a chine farther up the hull...(outside corner)
Just be sure to have a block of wood between the hull,+ jack....

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Storage w/ weeds between bunks & boat

Use the transom eyes to lift it...run a rope/cable/strap through the eyes and over a beam, with the trailer tongue down. Raise the tongue and fish the weeds out of there...reverse the process and Bob's your Uncle.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Storage w/ weeds between bunks & boat

this is exactly how the hydrilla got spread all over Florida, the plant took over many good fishing lakes, and ruined fishing, and access, clogging cooling intakes.

 

[JBeeney]

Re: Storage w/ weeds between bunks & boat

Thanks. I will head over to the shed this weekend and try to get this done.

 

[109jb]

Re: Storage w/ weeds between bunks & boat

All you need is some blocking. Just lower the tongue jack of the trailer all the way down, then block the transom and make sure the bow winch is tight. Raise the trailer tongue with the jack and the boat should come off of the bunks enough to get the weeds out. Make sure the blocking is secure and the wheels on the trailer are chocked. Wouldn't want to hear that you lost a hand or fingers because it got pinned between the boat and the bunks.

I've had to do this several times because of weeds, and once because a dead fish got between the boat and bunk once. Didn't notice it at the ramp, but a few days in the hot sun and you could tell from a block away.

 

[briguy2817]

Re: Storage w/ weeds between bunks & boat

All you need is some blocking. Just lower the tongue jack of the trailer all the way down, then block the transom and make sure the bow winch is tight. Raise the trailer tongue with the jack and the boat should come off of the bunks enough to get the weeds out. Make sure the blocking is secure and the wheels on the trailer are chocked. Wouldn't want to hear that you lost a hand or fingers because it got pinned between the boat and the bunks.
I've had to do this several times because of weeds, and once because a dead fish got between the boat and bunk once. Didn't notice it at the ramp, but a few days in the hot sun and you could tell from a block away.

I double that and take it one step further. Get a broom and sweep the bunks with that instead of using your hands. Shifting weight or a slightly leaking jack will make your day go south real fast if you get your hand caught between the bunk and boat.
Brian