MacGregorSailors.com

Hi,

I plan to add 12 ton hydraulic automotive jack at the front, and 2 others each side at the end of the trailer.
This is to permit lifting of the boat above it's sled for maintenance purpose like repainting.

I made a little jpg to illustrate it. Blue area are reinforcement added, red area are jack position.

[img]E:\voiliers\trailer\Trailer%20mod.JPG[/img]

You will have to post that pic on photobucket for us to see it, please!!

Yes. you can't reference files from your local data storage device! It has to be on a web-accessible site... as noted, Photobucket works well and is free.

That being said, you only have two postings on this forum, and you need at least 10 before you're allowed to post pictures. This prevents spammers from posting nasty pictures on our 'clean' forum.

Interesting concept. Did it work? did you use large pieces of wood to spread out the weight? I think you only need to lift the back of the boat to paint under the bunks.
What has been done is to lower the front wheel and then support the back of the boat with blocks. Then lift the front jack. The back of the boat is now supported with the blocks and then you can paint under the bunks. I have not tried this as I think the front wheel is not strong enough.

This is ironic - - - I wouldn't use the jacks for maintenance (I don't do THAT kind of maintenance myself) - - - but I certainly WOULD use them to jack up anything necessary for repair (to fix a tire, etc.).

Rick less in Las Vegas

PS Festina Lente 2 - - - wish I could see this to get a better idea - - - ask Scott how to pad posts so you can get a pic on

PPS What happens to the jacks when launching? - - - do they get wet? Is that a problem, especially in salt water?

As I read the post the jacks are not permently fixed on the trailer. But, I have these 12 ton piston jacks for my RV and they only lift up about 6-8inches. Even with an expensive sissors jack that have wheels they only lift up about 18 inches which should be enough.
I think what would work is to lower the front of the trailer and then block the back of the boat, them lift the front of the trailer where the wheel jack is with an expensive sissors jack that has wheels. This way you could use the built on trailer jack as a back up. Both jacks could be used at the same time lifting the front of the trailer. You could even put a couple of supports on the front tongue after lifting the front as even more safety. What do you think?