This weekend had two great sailing days in a large fresh water lake. I would like to do work on tge trailer to replace bunk boards. Rollers and all brackets. Winch made ne to be replaced as well. Any idea to buy or build adjustable boat jack stands?
Boat Jack Stands
- Thread starter PConti2025
- Start date
I looked for a quite awhile in my area to buy or rent jacks. I was unsuccessful. My son and I floated our 240 in the lake, tied it up to the side. We rebuilt the bunks and installed new hardware. It didn’t take too long to do it and we were not in the way. Actually had a few conversations with others about our efforts. It was good.
I used treated fir 2x6.
Centreboard rollers, I actually installed new lifting lines and inspected my rollers and pins. Mine is a 1999. There was no visible wear on the pins and very little on the rollers. I reinstalled with all the same hardware.
Trailer work floating the vessel, easy. Centreboard work not so much. I used a large excavator and lifted my vessel. I can tell you I have read about many finding a tree and using a “come a long”. I can also tell you with the back of the vessel on the trailer (strap it from sliding back) you can lift the bow enough to get the CB out and in with little trouble. Mine just cleared the trailer cross member.
I have never tried but have read:
You could, I would have to work myself up to it but will likely try one day (if I had to), step your mast and float your vessel. Grab a Halyard and pull your boat over in the shallow. I would have to have my son with me for this one. On smaller boats I can see this being easy. On our Hunter 240 with empty ballast, let me know.
Another idea have read, scaffolding. This one worries me a bit but if setup properly, it could work. Again likely for smaller boats but it is plausible.
Centreboard rollers, I actually installed new lifting lines and inspected my rollers and pins. Mine is a 1999. There was no visible wear on the pins and very little on the rollers. I reinstalled with all the same hardware.
Trailer work floating the vessel, easy. Centreboard work not so much. I used a large excavator and lifted my vessel. I can tell you I have read about many finding a tree and using a “come a long”. I can also tell you with the back of the vessel on the trailer (strap it from sliding back) you can lift the bow enough to get the CB out and in with little trouble. Mine just cleared the trailer cross member.
I have never tried but have read:
You could, I would have to work myself up to it but will likely try one day (if I had to), step your mast and float your vessel. Grab a Halyard and pull your boat over in the shallow. I would have to have my son with me for this one. On smaller boats I can see this being easy. On our Hunter 240 with empty ballast, let me know.
Another idea have read, scaffolding. This one worries me a bit but if setup properly, it could work. Again likely for smaller boats but it is plausible.
So you need the jack stands to hold the boat while you work on the trailer?
You could rent stands from a local boat yard. During the Summer they are generally sitting around doing nothing.
I'm noticing you have a Spindrift 15. I used to put my Bandit 15 on the ground if I needed to work on the trailer. Sometimes I would roll it over to work on those bailers. Usually did it on dirt or lawn.
You could rent stands from a local boat yard. During the Summer they are generally sitting around doing nothing.
I'm noticing you have a Spindrift 15. I used to put my Bandit 15 on the ground if I needed to work on the trailer. Sometimes I would roll it over to work on those bailers. Usually did it on dirt or lawn.
For a 15ft boat that weighs around 325lbs, I would slide the boat boat on to grass. When done with the work, get two or three people to help put it back on the trailer.
Cement blocks and 4x4s. Do this on a level surface. Disconnect the trailer from the tow vehicle. Lower the tongue to the ground and place one 4x4 (or 2 2x4s nailed together) under the transom and support with cement blocks. Raise the trailer tongue as high as it will go, place a 4x4 under the bow and support with cement blocks. Make sure the blocks are spaced far enough apart to the trailer can be removed. Lower the tongue and pull the trailer out.
If you have a strong tree, a come-a-long tied to a sturdy branch can support one end of the boat and the 4x and blocks the other end.
To have safe and easy access to the bottom, take the boat off the trailer in your yard. Step the mast with a line tied to the mast. Using this extra line, heel the boat over until it rests on its gunwales. Tie a weight to the end of the mast to keep the boat on its side.
Thank you all for the great tips. Very helpful. I hope I can contribute to this forum as much as I benefit from your experience. Sailing is relatively new to me.