Best method of removing boat from a trailer

[cuckter]

I need to paint my boat bottom without removing the motor, turning it over, etc. Question - Is there an easy way of moving the boat off the trailer without buying a lot of expensive equipment. This is a 17' Sportsman with a restored bottom (approx. 5 years ago) but now needs to be repainted.Thanks for any help.

[mfine]

If you have lifting rings, get a pair of chain hoists and either find beams that are strong enough or build a couple. A couple of 2 ton chain hoists from Harbor freight should be under $100 and lumber should be less than that.

[mbigpops]

Try something like this.

Harbor Freight chain falls. You won't need the rollers unless you are flipping it over.

Mark

[Doug P]

Not the best.... but great for painting

Lower the tongue on your trailer as far as you can...block up the stern of your boat.
Now
Raise the tongue of your trailer as far as you can... block up the bow...

Lower the tongue.

your boat is now free from the trailer.

[Doug P]

Try something like this.

Harbor Freight chain falls. You won't need the rollers unless you are flipping it over.

Mark

Boat lifted above trailer.JPG

Suggest you put a spreader on the straps. The gunwale is taking quite a bit of inward pressure and will crack your wood.
Good looking stands

[parroteyes]

Let us know which method you choose and how it goes. (I'm betting on tongue up/tongue down).

[tkhersom]

I'm with Doug P. on this one, simple and inexpensive.

If you want the trailer out of the way you may need to use a bottle jack to get past the supports on the trailer.

[mfine]

The trailer method takes longer than you think when you want the trailer out of the way. Lots of frames to inch around. Plus, you still have the stands to deal with when painting. Once you have the frames and chain falls, you can crank her up easy and have a completely clear bottom if you have lifting rings and don't need the straps. The next time you need to get at the boat (or trailer!) you have all the parts and it will be quick and easy. Same for engine removal.

[mbigpops]

I would definately go with the lift setup.

It is inexpensive and less risky than trying to jack up the boat via the bottom. Who know what could happen ?

Also, it strores away without taking up much spcace, you always have it and as M Fine says it can be used for engine install / removal as well.

Mark

[cuckter]

Thank you for all the information. I will let you know what method I finally use. Thx.

[boat_art]

The chain falls on the lifting rings are the clear choice to me. However, be sure the lift rods and anchors are in good shape and secure, and that the rings themselves have good threads and a full engagement. Also, use stands under the boat and move them around as needed.

[tkhersom]

I think we have all been a little off here. The best way is a complete rail system.

If you don't have a couple 100 grand to put into a building, the home made hoists look great, but I have used stands and even slices of an oak tree.

The most improtant thing to remember is SAFETY! Non of us want to see any damage done to our boats, but more important is to remember that you will be lying under it with a paint brush or roller. A boat can be replaced, you can not.

[boat_art]

Why not go with a total robotic system? A couple million should do it.

[NOT Firewood]

I have built a stands as well and they work great. Once you have you boat hanging in the garage there is something sexy about it

[jfrprops]

check the archive for my post on using a homebuilt wooden heavy duty DISC on the outside of the transom and single point of lift at the bow tow eye.....roll her right over and always stays in contact with the ground.
simple/ancient engineering and fun to do.
John in Va.

[parroteyes]

This thread is getting way afield. I know that how to get your boat in the air and flipped (if that is what you are doing) is one of the really neat things to work out. I "invented" my own set up several years ago and posted it. Whether you know it or not, many of you have used it and that makes me happy.

But this guy just wants to paint his bottom. He does not have or need an overhead hoisting set up.

Tipping the trailer to get clearance to get jacks under it is all that's necessary.

If he needs a little more, an engine hoist connected to a strap around the stern will get it up plenty in back.Block up the stern nice and high. Move the Jack to the bow lifting eye and lift till the boat is level. Put a ten foot 4X6 under the keel ahead of the wheels, high enough to clear rhe trailer wheels and block it up wide enough to allow the trailer to be pulled out.

I still think "tip the trailer" is adequate but if you need more an engine hoist is only $100 and its a pretty cool thing to add to your "tool" collection.

[dustoff135]

If you are only painting the bottom, in theory, most of the boat doesn't have to come off the trailer.
I have used an engine hoist (cherry picker) to life the stern from the trailer and a floor jack with blocks of wood under the keel to 'walk' the boat off a trailer. Yes, you can only move 2-3 feet at a time, but who cares. It is time well spent with your 'significant other'. That should allow all the access you require. Please use jack stands and blocks for your safety and the boat's if you are under it.

[dustoff135]

In regards to the message I just left. You are not so much walking the boat off the trailer as walking the trailer from beneath the boat. Works well with a little patience.

[cuckter]

Hi. Thank you for the great number of ideas. I am clearing out my garage and I think I am going to use a combination of the trailer suggestions, blocking and use straps across an "I bean" for additional support. I will keep you posted on how this works. My main point is safety for the boat and me.

[Tom Gruenauer]

This worked for me. The engine was out. If I was going to be under it painting I would have safety supports.