Boat Jacks for Painting - where to buy

[lncovert]

Anyone know where to buy some cheap boat jacks to paint the bottom of the boat? Used would be great if anyone knows where to get them.

Thanks.

Lance

 

[drewpster]

Re: Boat Jacks for Painting - where to buy

If you are painting the boat you have pictured in your post, the cheapest thing to use would be simple jack stands used to hold up a car. I would use 4 x 4 blocks under the keel at the bow end and use jack stands under the corners of the transom aft. If you cannot find stand high enough you could block up under them. The picture below (borrowed from Old Carver) is a perfect example.

Cinder blocks were used to elevate the jack stands at the transom to get it high enough. Old Carver used small pieces of plywood cut to fit into the saddles of the jack stands to keep the metal stands from marring the gelcoat at the contact points. There are boat stands specifically made to support boats. However, you asked for a cheaper alternative, and those stands say 'marine' on them adding 40% to 90% to the price. (google search the term 'boat stands' if you dare)

 

[drewpster]

Re: Boat Jacks for Painting - where to buy

Sorry I submitted my answerer to your question without actually answering it. So here is another one to further frustrate you.
If you want to unload your boat from its trailer to do the painting, you do not necessarily need a "boat jack" to do it.
There are several good techniques to get a boat off a trailer on dry land. The one that uses the least special equipment involves using the trailer itself and a car jack. Start by blocking the trailer tires so the trailer will not move. Lower the trailer tongue to the ground as low as possible. This will raise the transom end of the boat. Place stands under the corners of the transom just under each corner. Then raise the trailer tongue as high as possible. This will lower the transom on to the stands supporting it and will raise the aft end of the boat off the trailer bunks.
Then place a car jack or blocks just under the keel at the forward end of the boat so that when the trailer tongue is lowered the keel will be supported by the jack or blocks. Move the trailer forward as far as the crossmembers will allow. Then, using another jack or additional blocks, raise the bow of the boat up behind the next crossmember and move the trailer forward further. Continue to alternate jacking up and blocking between the crossmembers until the trailer is completely out.
Work slowly! and watch the stands at the aft end. Only move the boat up and down as much as necessary to make the next move. If the the aft stands show signs of movement then thy are not properly set and the boat could fall. I do not recommend doing this on anything but a solid surface. It takes time but it works. This boat was unloaded using a similar method.

 

[Ezrider_92356]

Re: Boat Jacks for Painting - where to buy

if you have a smaller boat you may be able to lift it using the roof suports for your garage and some come alongs to lift it up off the trailer