Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

My plans are to start on the exterior of my Formula as soon as the weather permits. I will be replacing the transom, stringers, and removing the sole and floor. I also want to raise the boat off the ground for fixing the exterior gelcoat and paint.

My question, what is the safest way to raise the boat and keep it in the air so I can work on the bottom? It is outside in the yard on blocks(very low to the ground). I do not have a shop large enough and want to feel like 4000lbs is not going to fall on me with the next wind.

Thanks Again
Steven

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

The easiest way is to pay the yard to raise and block it. They may have a set of Yard-Arms they will let you use to do it yourself. I keep a set of screw jacks so that I can do mine when I need to get it off the trailer.

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

I have thought about the same thing cept my boat is on a bunk lift in a boathouse and was thinking if straps to hang the boat . Then I could lower the bunks and get below the boat for hull cleaning and waxing ....

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

unfortunately it is at my house in the yard, not a marina. Sorry I forgot that in many places you guys have a marina close by with services like this included.

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

Buy boat stands. They have screw jacks on them to raise the boat up higher and level it. You can use them and slowly lift the boat up and actually get it up quite high by getting stands that are just large enough to fit out on the sides of the boat and then move them in a little at a time.

Jon

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

Oh ya make sure unless you are on concrete that you put plywood under the stands. I have seen them sink into concrete and dirt and tip over.

Jon

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

Prep outside - Finish in :drink:

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

eh ?

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

Mine on stands and blocks.

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

Nice, now how do yall get them on the trailer from sitting on blocks?

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

What size beams are those? 6x6 or 8x8's ?

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

6x6 if anyone in Fla. needs to use the steel holders they are just sitting in the shop but you will have to get new 6x6 as I used them on a landscape project. :drink:

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

I have two more screwjacks and if I can't get the Yardarms from the boatyard I have to raise the boat with the screwjacks, back the trailer under the boat until it's against the forward jacks, place the two spares, remove the ones against the trailer, back up a foot and repeat the process until the boat is under the trailer. After you've done it a few times it's not a bad job. Yardarms make it a ten-minute job though.

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

FloridianSon,
How much does your boat weigh?

Crazyhorse,
I like the jacks, have seen them for aircraft but not boats. Were is a good place online to order them?

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

prater, check with greg at offshore extreme, in moore was okc but moved to moore, I know he was getting set up in his shop again to do this, you can also check with Robin at superior fibergl*** in okc as well if he would rent you some or lift it there since it is winter time now.

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

They're around $100 apiece and you can probably find them at boater's world or West Marine, places like that.

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

Anyone doing what Florida son made I would suggest a notch in the upright beam to carry the load. You are relying on the beam not to crack were you bolt it the way it is done in the pictures. If you make a shoulder it would be much stronger.

Jon

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

Crazy I paid a guy to come over with a tow truck to lift up my bow and then drove under :D:D

Jon

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

Yeah, the guys at the storage facility have heavy equipment and offered to do that. I have easy access to a set of Yardarms so it's not a big deal. I like to be sure I'm lifting the boat at the bulkheads rather than from the eyehook.

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

I've pulled a boat off a trailer before like CrazyHorse said. (29 Sundancer) Used jackstands like those pictured and went to Home Depot and bought cheap beat up 6 x 6's that I cut up into 18 inch pieces for the keel blocks. I've also had a BIG tow truck lift and entire 29 Chapparral and back a trailer under it. (It had been on blocks)
You can order the stands from Brownell (sp) direct. They were less than $100.00 with freight.
Russ C.

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

I would be guessing but 4000lb minus motor 3000lb. I never worried about a thing.The boat was lowered everynight onto strips of rubber under the keel. Crazyhorse you boat is a lot more than 4000lb.I might worry abit about yours. :drink:

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

Audiofn that was the week point on that rig but trying to get all 6x6 top level was more of a pain so I just through bolted them for the short time she was outside, also is was real soft sand at the farm I don't think it would have hurt her abit if it fell. :D Inside instead of 4x6 I used 6x6 for beams, and just placed it and bolted down on the top of the upright since they all were level once they were in the holders. 6x6 had steel lade on the top to spread the load.Just saying it worked for me :drink: and I just got my scanner up and running so it looked like a good time to load you all down with some post whoreing.

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

I used a 8x8 and built a V on it for the back. Then just a jack stand in the front for a 3 point support. Worked fine on a 30' Scarab 1979 (very heavy). Then just jack the 8x8 with a floor jack,,or 2. move the trailer about 2' at a time and reposition the front stand,,,,,but be sure to rock it hard side to side before crawling under,,,as a matter of legal precaution , maybe I shouldn't recommend this to anyone else,I was always a little nervous when underneath.

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

I think I will make a lift like Floridianson. I will make sure and put the crossbeam on top of the post. It will be there for some time. I will get the transom and floor finished before I lift the boat,and it will help me seperate the top and bottom. I will try and use through bolts and cleats simular to sailboats made for lifting once everything is back together. I will also get a couple of jacks to support the boat for a little extra insurance...

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

Hard On,
did robin have a houseboat at Calipso Cove on Thunderbird Lake? If so I have met him once or twice. I purchased Doc's Rx(Lake Hog) that was next to him.
I called them for an estimate on new bottom paint for my Sea Ray and they were very high...I am sure they do excellent work though.

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

Hey Florida,

What are you doing to the boat?

Greg (22 Avanti on the west coast)

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

Hey FloridianSon, that was a great idea. I have to lift my boat off the trailer so I can put new stringers on the trailer. Where did you get the steel 6x6 holders. I need 4 so I can build your set up, my boat is sitting on a concrete pad so I can't set the 6x6 in the ground. What type off metal did you add on the top stringer?

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

Greg you still up and running.That work was done almost 3 years ago,just some spyder cracks and I took out the hook that was on both sides and repainted the bottom with Interlux epoxy .Just got the cockpit done new seats and back seat to match now all thats left is to spray the Rino liner in the front hole.Hope all is well James.

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

MiamiVice sent you pm.When you going to start your project as I might be able to drop mine off on the way to the Keys here soon.James

Re: Safely raising a boat for bottom work???
 

That would be wonderful if I could borrow them. I was going to start asap. My bunks on the trailer need tender loving care badly. If you are going down to the Keys, I live very close to the Turnpike or US 1. I live 2 blocks off of US 1 in SW Miami, by the Falls. Call me anytime at (305) 934-2048 Rick. How long were you going to stay in the Keys?