Trailer Repair

Hi Guys. My bunks are in desperate need of replacement. My question is how do I get the boat off the trailer without taking it down and leaving it at the lake?

thx for the quick reply Pete. Will an automotive jack do the job?

You really Shouldn't need to pull the trailer out from under the boat to replace the bunk boards. Lift the boat up as Pete suggests, and you should be able to unbolt the bunks, and slide them out.

Be sure to put a rag, carpet, something soft on top of the blocks so you don't scratch up the boat.

I never trust the cement blocks, but a lots of people use them. For just lifting the boat up to slip the bunks out, Car jack stands will work fine, if you have some that are tall enough. If not, you can sit the car jack Stand on top of some stable blocks of wood. Again, put some padding on the stand so as not to scratch up the boat.

I've replaced a single bunk with two floor jacks. One under the keel, and one on the back corners. I suppose you could do this as well if you do one at a time.

BKH

John and Brian, I have never had a problem with cement blocks. Way back when working at the marina we had lots of boats without trailers. I've set hundreds of boats on them. They do hold up houses too!! I also remember seeing a program on how them are made. The concrete is a extremely dry mix that is pressed in a 100 ton hydraulic press. Anyone who has had a problem with them probably used them sitting in the wrong position with the cores horizontal rather than vertical.

Who's our member that works for a pre cast concrete manufacturer?? I can't remember who it is but he may have something it add.

I was going to mention that it is possible to change the bucks without pulling the trailer out but feel it's easier to pull it out. More clearance for things like drilling holes in the bunks.

Agreed Pete. I've seen many many boats on cement blocks. Yet, I have a hard time trusting something that I can put my foot through. Just a personal phobia I guess.

Buffalo, I almost mentioned that if you have a wishbone trailer where you have to bend the bunk boards, then you may need to pull the trailer all the way out. If you just have straight 2X6 bunks, then no need. BKH

Typically Centurion uses 2x6 bunk boards. You should be able to slide them out if you lift the boat about 3 inches above the trailer. BKH

mcbean
The concrete blocks are strongest with the holes facing up and down, like they are stacked to build a house. Just make sure to use good blocks. I've seen old blocks that can crumble in your hands.
If you were closer, you could use my system;

Steve

John, Steve (tullfooter) was the pre cast concrete guy I referred to!! Yup, stack them just like building a house.