I keep thinking this hoist would be handy for the boat

[craiglaforce]

Anybody else think this would work for just picking up 1 end of the boat to allow for bottom maintenance?


http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=41188

[The Mutt]

I have been looking at making a lift system using small truck air springs and steel scissor arms, I could also use them for maintaining our cars, I know that I would have to move them to get to work where the jack pads have been, but I have no place to store and use a tower, some farmers that I have dealt with over the years simply put a large steel "I" beams up in the shed with lift trolleys to change over equipment on the farm vehicles. If you have a large shed, put in two "I" beams and lift trolleys and pick up the whole boat at once.

Glenn

[James V]

I do not understand why you would want to raise your boat that high. Just raise the front wheel on the trailer. Block the front of the boat and lower. Reverse for the stern. Take care!

[craiglaforce]

The crane tower disassembles for storage when not in use. Its not that high when you consider the boat height and the lifting strap geometry. It would only be able to lift the boat a couple of feet I think. I guess I was spoiled at my old marina in NJ. The nice owner would put my boat on the hoist overnight so I could do the bottom job. In smaller marinas, a hoist is not usually available.

[The Mutt]

Something to keep in mind is additional securing if the boat is being held from above, I worked for a while as a Medical and Forensic Photographer, one safety tip I came away with is "Never trust a lifting device, always have a back up BEFORE getting underneath", all you need is to add a load rated chain or sling.

Glenn