How to take boat off trailer?

[crshresq911]

I'm brand new here, been a reader for a few months. I recently was given a 15' Invader runabout. It sat outside uncovered for about 6 yrs so it needed extensive work, had to replace the floor, stringers, and the foam. I'm just about done with everything but I need to get it off the trailer so I can do some work to the trailer and repaint.

How can I get the boat off the trailer, and what can I use to prop the boat up on so I can get it back on the trailer fairly easily?

I'm brand new to the boating scene, Never owned one before, and have actually only been on a boat once in my life!

Have learned alot here, you guys have been very helpful in just reading about how to make my repairs.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: How to take boat off trailer?

Go to Northern tool, and drive around back. You should see bunches of foam blocks in a pile. They pack trailers with them. They will give them to you for FREE. Now, when you get home tilt the trailer tongue down. Push boat back 3 or so feet. (may want to flip them two steps) Now place blocks under the stern. Jack up front of trailer. Stern should be on blocks now. If not, place wood under blocks to shim them up. Now, have someone pull trailer forward (by hand) while someone else pushes boat back. Keep the winch tight and only let it loose as you come back so no the boat doesn't slide back too fast. When you get near the front, just block it and pull the trailer the rest of the way out.
This is easier than it seems. When we had our 15 foot Lund that we are restoring, gutted (500#) I could do it alone. Keep in mind I was 13 and only about 115 pounds. When we added deck and engine and all, dad helps, but I could probably do it my self. Dad just doesn't want to take the risk. Just when you are alone you MUST keep the strap tight. If the trailer is tilted up a lot, the boat will slide back easily, and you need to keep strap tight, to keep the boat and trailer together.
Just about anywhere that sells utility trailers should have the blocks.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How to take boat off trailer?

little 15 footer i just push off on the ground. of course my big strong as an ox neighbor help get them back on. when i have to work on the trailer, i lower the tongue to the ground, block the transom up, then jack the tongue high, block the bow before it turns up, and lower the tongue, work on it under the boat. or you can move the bow blocks and work the trailer out from under it. pushing it off and letting Tony winch it back on is more fun.

 

[Bondo]

Re: How to take boat off trailer?

I've used Old Tires many times,..........Without the Wheels of course......

They're Usually still Free too..........

 

[Sorrento 25]

Re: How to take boat off trailer?

Could I get away with using the method in the second reply on a 25' 6000lb. boat? I would weld up some stands of the appropriate height for the chines at the rear, and one support for the keel and then try to "walk" the trailer out with the keel stand and a 3 ton floor jack.

I need to do major trailer and bottom work.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: How to take boat off trailer?

Sorry, screwed up post. How do I delete a post?

 

[redfury]

Re: How to take boat off trailer?

I've pulled my 17ft glastron off a couple of trailers. My luck, I've had a sturdy tree and just strapped it to it. Pulled the truck forward a bit and started blocking the boat as I went forward.

Putting it back on, I simply unhook the trailer, tilt it, and strap the winch to it and start cranking. Once it starts to lower the front down from the weight of the boat, I reposition the truck back and get it hooked up to the hitch and finish cranking.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: How to take boat off trailer?

Crash, There are many ways to get the boat off. If the motor tilts up all the way (or is off), I would "drop" it on the ground. It is the simpliest and safest, and it is acceptable for a boat of your size. When it is time to put it back on the trailer, simply lift the tongue and push the trailer under the bow, attach the winch line and start cranking. The trailer will roll under the boat.

Larger boats would be damaged and would be hard to get back onto the trailer, using this method.

 

[burroak]

Re: How to take boat off trailer?

I'm brand new here, been a reader for a few months. I recently was given a 15' Invader runabout. It sat outside uncovered for about 6 yrs so it needed extensive work, had to replace the floor, stringers, and the foam. I'm just about done with everything but I need to get it off the trailer so I can do some work to the trailer and repaint.

How can I get the boat off the trailer, and what can I use to prop the boat up on so I can get it back on the trailer fairly easily?

I'm brand new to the boating scene, Never owned one before, and have actually only been on a boat once in my life!

Have learned alot here, you guys have been very helpful in just reading about how to make my repairs.

If Momma doesn't mind that the family car sits outside, for a 15', sling it from the rafters (if they are trusses). For the aft use 2x6 on edge to span 3 trusses and connect each side separately. You can always lower the keel onto sawhorses to keep it from swinging. I wouldn't let the kids play in it, though.

 

[redfury]

Re: How to take boat off trailer?

Boy, now wouldn't that just be ideal, eh? I get to work strictly outdoors because I don't have the garage to do that in yet ( gotta build one, but you bet I'll be taking into account things like this when I do )

 

[burroak]

Re: How to take boat off trailer?

Boy, now wouldn't that just be ideal, eh? I get to work strictly outdoors because I don't have the garage to do that in yet ( gotta build one, but you bet I'll be taking into account things like this when I do )

Well, at least your priorities are straight; you got the boat before the garage.