Bottom painting on trailer

[ralpht44]

I just bought a 1987 222 Sandpiper with a trailer. I always kept the 19'6" family fish on blocks at the marina and had them paint it every year. The marina closed and I would rather do it myself anyway going forward. I assume I am going to have to jack one end of the boat up at a time or use multiple jacks to get it off the rollers. I have never done this before and figured I would ask the experts.

[jdupree]

I did that with my 170.  As you said, just use 2 or more jacks.  Jack the boat up and move the trailer as far forward as you can then set her down.  Just keep repeating the process.  It is very time consuming but will work fine.

[damnitbadger]

Lower your trailer jack all the way down and put blocks under the keel at the stern and 4x4s at each stern corner. Raise the jack as high as it will go and put  blocks under the bow. Lower the jack about mid way. The boat should be clear of the trailer. Now let the air out of the tires. Cover the trailer with visqueen and paint the hull. You should have 4"-10" of clearance depending on your trailer.

[jdupree]

I never thought of doing it that way.  That would work but I just like the have the trailer out from under the boat so I have room to work.  That is a good idea and I might try that when I paint the bottom on mine.

[damnitbadger]

If your trailer is narrow enough you can put stands or blocks at the front corners and just pull the trailer out from under the boat. If I was moving the trailer completely out from under the boat I would use blocks at the rear corners as well. If not narrow enough, through a series of jacking maneuvers and blocks under the bow you can pull the trailer out, clearing the trailer cross members. This worked on my AS as well as a 28' sport fisher.

[ralpht44]

All great suggestions guys. I think I have everything needed. Going to powerwash this evening and paint the bottom tomorrow and then in the drink she goes.

[beast819]

post some photos if you can.  I am interested in seeing the process.

Ant

[GoneFission]

jdupree:  PM for you in your inbox.  Thanks!

[JimCt]

Be sure the blocking is very secure.  If you are using wood blocks one on top of another, screw-shoot some 1 x 3's to the sides to hold them firmly together then cross brace...



Gotta keep things safe!