Swing keel

[Eric]

Well, here is the question. I need to remove the keel and inspect it. ( I just bought the boat, used). Right now the boat is on the trailer in my backyard. I need to take the trailer out and put the boat on some kind of craddle. Is this something I can do at home or I have to go get it done somewhere ( which I guess probably cost a lot of money). Any suggestions ?Thanx

 

[john]

pulling boat off trailer

This is best done by a pro hauler. They shouldn't charge too much. I have done this before with a 23' kells. I built a stern cradle out of 2' x 6'stock and wooden pads. You have to essentially secure the stern of the boat to a large tree or another truck and pull the trailer little by little out while blocking the stern and bow while using the cradle or commercial stands. Good luck

 

[alan]

Hey Eric, which boat, I grew up there. alan

.

 

[Bill O'Donovan]

Try this

Borrow a couple of those portable metal ramps that shade-tree mechanics use to put their car up for an oil change. Back the trailer up onto the ramps and deploy big blocks of wood in front and back of the keel. Add two marina yard stands on each side to support the boat. Add a v-shaped stand at the bow and a flat-board stand at the stern.

 

[Michael Bell]

Check the archives

There has been numerous posts on this in the past. Think the conclusion was that it wasn’t worth the risk. Remember, you will be laying under the boat to remove the keel.