Painting under trailer bunks.

[Ixneigh]

I'll be bottom painting my boat this week. Anyone have a method for getting under the trailer bunks?

[mastreb]

1) Unload the boat completely.
2) Liquid rollers on the bunks.
3) Pull the trailering strap out the length of the bunks + 6" or so, and set the winch so it won't pull out further. Connect to bow eye.
4) Dip the trailer in the water at a launch ramp, float the boat, pull it back out, and move to truck/trailer parking. Do not attempt to trailer above 5 mph with the boat in this position. This will put the boat back on the trailer the length of the winch strap. Wash boat hull thoroughly at the ramp wash. Allow to sit and dry in the ramp lot.
5) After dark, sneak back and paint the area of the hull that will be under the rollers.
6) Next day, winch/bump boat forward onto trailer as appropriate. Trailer home, complete the hull painting.

At least, that's how the guy I pulled up next to at midnight at the Shelter Island launch ramp was doing it

[seacatcapt]

That's the process I did to get bottom paint on my , except for the night painting! I live close to the ramp, so I brought her back home. A very important addition to the list above: place tie-down strap on the bow section of the boat after it is set back on the trailer. As noted, the modified weight distribution on the trailer is sufficient to need it. And if driving, slow is how you go! Pictures of the process are available at http://s984.photobucket.com/albums/ae32 ... 0Painting/.

[Divecoz]

You Have numerous options.. Many Crank the trailer all the way up and set cribbing under the bow and lower trailer. Now the boat bow is off the bunks.. Just the opposite for the rear bunks..
I ? I just used my "Mechanics Hydraulic Floor Jack" and a 2x8 lifted the bow off the trailer and when I was done moved that jack under the transom and lifted that end off the bunks..

[Boblee]

Usually just loosen winch strap and extend safety chain then do a reverse bump ie accellerate softly at first but if it doesn't move bit more next time, had to back down ramp to move it once and have just hooked a rope from bow eye to a tree behind but my painting consists of only rolling lanolin grease and is on the ramp or just prior to launching for a trip, being wet or huge time delays is not an option.
The grease is put on just prior to launch so it doesn't collect dust which in our hot climate and usually long dusty road trips looks a bit icky but the grease/barnacles etc washes off very easy with a mild pressure washer or really well with a hot wash, only place it is hard to clean is where protection has been rubbed off on sandbars or clumsy beaching especially in the tropics.