Help Me Obi Won.......

[Tim Koepp]

My old Basstracker III trailer needs a lot of work. I have to disclaim that I am not the party who left a lot of things neglected as I am only the "most recent" owner. Anyway... this a planned winter project to refresh the boat and redo most of the trailer. Is there a good way to, during the winter in my heated barn (thank god) unload the boat onto blocks or something so I can work dedicated on the trailer?

 

[Scott Hammer TOXIC]

There is always a way Padawan....find a way you will.....I just have never done it!!:lol:



Somebody will be along to help.



TOXIC

 

[Greg Meyer]

The easiest way is to borrow another beater trailer that almost fits (as well as possible) without causing any damage to the boat...



If that is not possible... And it is not a "huge" boat you make a "cradle" (box of 2X12" to put under the boat on a flat bed trailer and winch it on while it is in the water....



The last resort is with six screw jacks and short mini bunk boards, always keeping four under the boat while you "extract" the trailer... this is the most time consuming way.

 

[fatrap]

Believe it or not. I had a general highschool shop class that I taught years ago. I used an engine hoist. I took the engine off with the hoist, then took two "C" clamps clamped near as I figured to the balance point hooked a chain between the clamps. Hoisted that sucker just high enough to get the trailer off the lowered it onto some 4x4's.

That was the easiest part. Sanding down and painting that trailer was a lot of work.

fatrap

 

[Greg Meyer]

I like Fatrap's idea.... Better be a pretty good sized hoist...

 

[Texas Transplant]

Another thing that you might want to consider, since you have/will be in a barn is this:



Using an a-frame or hoist as suggested, get the boat off the trailer and use the flexible straps used for boat lifts, to 'cradle the boat', tied to the rafters via bolts and steel cable. Just let it 'hang out'.



Would cost a 'bit' for the straps, but may provide peace of mind and make it fairly easy to drop back on.



Tex

 

[TOMMY RICH]

If it's rusted, clean it up and use POR15 paint.

Check it out.....

 

[Tim Koepp]

Thanks all. good ideas all.



I found specs

Length: 16'

Model Name/Description: BASS TRACKER III(***)

Boat Type: Outboard Boats

Hull Material: Aluminum

Beam: 5' 9"

Engine: N/A

Net Weight: 558



558 lbs without motor and the way my barn and lean to on the barn are set up I can easily strap down from the lean to ceiling beams. I also have just located access to an auto engine hoist so I can remove the motor first to lessen the total weight.

 

[Gene B]

Jack up the back end of the trailer and drop the tongue to the ground. Secure the back end of the boat to the ceiling. Raise the tongue and secure the bow to the ceiling. Drop the jacks at the stern and the tongue and pull the trailer out. Sounds easy enough....



Gene

 

[Greg Meyer]

Dang Gene... That is "genius"... !!!

 

[TOMMY RICH]

Obi Won has spoken

 

[Tim Koepp]

Yep. Gene. we definitely have a winner!

 

[Gene B]

What did I win???? :lol: Glad I could help.





Gene

 

[Tim Koepp]

It wont buy beer, but.... "my unending gratitude"

 

[Gene B]

LOL That works, I only use beer for fish batter anyway. Even then it's only because someone left it at the house. Good luck w/ the project.



Gene