Building a boat cradle?

[arnieb]

Hello group,

I have a 17 Skeeter bass boat I would like to work on in the garage for the winter. The trailer is to long for the garage so the boat needs to come off. Any ideas on what to put or build to sit the boat on the garage floor?
Sand bags, old tires, some sort of frame? Anyone have any ideas, maybe pictures you have come across?

Thanks
Arnie

 

[j442w30]

Re: Building a boat cradle?

You can do just about anything as long it can handle the weight. You could build a frame out of wood, modeled after the trailer with heavy duty casters so you can move it around if need be. You could use sandbags and tires like you mentioned but if you choose that route make sure the boat is supported evenly. A lot of marinas rest boats on giant foam cubes, usually 2 in the back and one in the middle along the keel. Lots of options.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Building a boat cradle?

Go to Northern, Tractor supply company, or any place that sells utility trailers. The will give you foam blocks of a perfect size for FREE. Many are a little over a foot wide, a foot high, and about 2 feet long. We have an 18 foot bass boat on them right now, and commonly have trailers put on them, instead of jackstands. The also make great work seats. Set the boat on that.