No big deal

Posted By: Tom, 2023A, Coupeville WA
Date: 3/26/08 6:42p.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: Must admit, I'm a bit scared to try it. (Gary, Santana 2023A, Milwaukee)

I have lifted my 2023A by tilting the trailer tongue down, blocking up the transom, and then raising the bow with a towing strap attached to a roll around engine hoist arm. More recently when I needed to get the boat higher, I used wheel ramps to lift the trailer and boat up one foot. I then used several hydraulic jacks (Walmart is a cheap source) on blocks to raise the trailer/boat another 6 inches or so. After blocking the transom and bow (More on that in a minute) I lowered the jacks and rolled the trailer off the wheel ramps. (You need to decide if you want the trailer axle to end up forward or behind the normal location before you initially roll up on the ramps.) The best way to block the stern is to use 6x6s roughly 2' and 3' long. Lay two 3' lengths parallel to each other on the ground/pavement crossways under the transom. Stack two 2' lengths running bow to stern parallel to each other on top of the first layer. Then keep adding alternate layers of 3' and 2' lengths until you are close to the transom. Finish off by wedging a 2x6 length across the transom. Do the same type of blocking at the bow under the area where the front ballast tank bulkhead is located. If you are on level solid ground this will be a very stable arrangement. Don't worry about your boat breaking in half! Blocking this way is no different than hanging your boat in two slings.