Next Step, Getting Boat Off Trailer (Suggestions)

[Elk Chaser]

OK, nearly ready to get the boat off the trailer and get the bottom ready to paint, looking for some good ideas from those in the know......
I live on a ranch so I do not have a paved driveway or anything, just a fairly large garage/shop. So I think I need to do everything inside the shop.
I was thinking of suspending the boat from the stringers hung from the rafters but I am sure there is a good reason that this is a bad idea.
Been scratching my head on this issue for quite a while now, can't see flipping the hull, it's pretty big at 21' and I am not sure how I would support it once I flip it let alone how in the hell I would flip it in the first place.
Any suggestions from others experience would be greatly appreciated.
John

[quiet riot]

Hey, Your from my neck of the woods. I grew up in central Idaho just south of McCall. Anyways, I've taken my boat off the trailer several times to work on the bottom. In the g-rage I jack up the back end and then support it with jackstands and padding under the rear corners and intake. Then I use two jacks with boards to support the front as you roll the trailer out a few feet at a time while repositioning the jacks around trailer crossmembers and axles as you go. If you have rafters that would support the front end weight you could strap the front end and just slide the whole trailer out at once.
Just be carefull to spread the load out from jacks/stands with boards as it could be hard on the fiberglass hull, mines aluminum and a little more forgiving. And don't get under it till its well supported with stands after removing the trailer. We lifted boats with a big forklift and 2 straps (1 a couple feet from the transom, the other about 2/3rds the way up the boat from the back) at the marina I used to work at. never had a problem there.
jd

[THE BOSTON SIDEWINDER]

DITTO...COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT BETTER MY SELF, IT'S EASY AFTER THE TRAMA OF YOUR FIRST TIME.(REMIND YA OF ANYTHING ELSE?...BILL.

[manuel]

I have done it as described and it was pretty easy, but scary to see your boat just hangin'
the last time I only used the trailer jack, I lowered the front all the way then put the jack stands at the stern and raised the front all the way up and put a stand on the keel up front, let some air out of the tires and out it came a few feet at a time put painless, if I had rafters I would of used them even if just for security,
Manuel

[HotRod Sprint]

Hey Elk Chaser, I have the same boat am starting to do work on, but have an olds 455 and a jacuzzi YJ. Will be taking mine off the trailer to rework the trailer. Would like to know what you are doing with your interior as mine doesn't have one. Got an email of an original sales brochure on this boat from Sleekcraft sales in Phoenix, but am not going to do ANYTHING LIKE THE ORIGINAL INTERIOR! Whatever I do, know it will be pricey.

[Elk Chaser]

Was thinking along the lines of a nice set of swivel air ride captains chairs and bench across the back with a full engine cover, looking at those fuel tanks right now and thinking of sliding them towards the transom to give some room for storage near the driver and passenger seats. The only trick to it will be the filler hose. Don't think the wieght will be an issue.
Here is a pic of the original interior, was nice for it's day I suppose............
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/935P1010008-med.JPG

[USMC1812]

Elk Chaser where in Idaho are you? I'm up in Moscow.

[Elk Chaser]

30 minutes north of you, Potlatch.

[USMC1812]

Right on, I am just putting my engine back together after a unfortunate mishap with a bolt out of the tunnel ram which came loose and found its way into one of the cylinders. Oh well, it will be fine when it is back together. Here is a picture of my setup. Where do you usually go? I thought that I was the only one from this area on the boards, good to know that there is someone else! There are a few guys up north but, I was not able to meet them at the Cda run because my God Son was supposed to be born on that weekend. Did you go? What are you running? Let me know if i can help you with your boat, it would be no problem for me to come up there if you need a hand.
Good to talk to you,
Doug
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/218Boat_and_truck.jpg
[ September 07, 2003, 12:16 PM: Message edited by: USMC1812 ]

[ttmott]

You all are making me homesick! I grew up in McCall and still have a place and family there. The all mighty dollar has ended me up here in Fla. I would like nothing better than to get back on the white water! Spent my youth on the Salmon; we owned the James Ranch years ago. Florida does, however, have it's moments.
Tom

[Elk Chaser]

Doug, sounds like your motor made some noise for a few seconds...... Bummer. eek!
I run the boats out of Rockypoint @ Heyburn or sometimes we camp over at Heyburn campground. Normally run up the rivers, I like CDA river as it has all those little lakes to play on. We also go down and launch at Hells Gate State Park a few times each year. Did not make the CDA run this past year, maybe next year. Where have you been running, I have not seen that boat before that I can remember..........
The Sleekcraft is in the garage stripped down to a fiberglass shell and two fuel tanks. The plan is to have her up and running by spring. My other boat is a little Wellcraft open bow (Blue on White) that I kept for taking the kids out or if I just want to cruise a little bit.
Thanks for the offer on the help I may take you up on that, from your picture it looks like you are just north of those new homes up on quail hill. I may be wrong though...... I'll be looking for your truck around town, you must have seen mine around town as it looks like yours only better :p :D
I like your taste in trucks too. Have you ever been to www.fordtruckworld.com, (http://www.fordtruckworld.com,) if not take a look and check out the Idaho Chapter. :cool:
As for you Tom, it is a hard decision to leave this area, I know exactly how you feel. Bikinis are a good consolation prize though :D

[USMC1812]

Pretty close on the location, I'm just off of Polk up a little gravel road. No problem I have a pretty easy semester so I could help out just about any time. I checked out that site, pretty cool I signed up for the forum. There are quite a few crew cab Super Duties around here. What does yours looking like?
Mostly run the boat in Lewiston.
Doug
[ September 07, 2003, 06:35 PM: Message edited by: USMC1812 ]

[ttmott]

Yea, I miss it a lot. Get there a couple of times a year minimum. I do, however, get my jet boat digs in here. My Sleekcraft....
twinturbosleekcraft (http://hometown.aol.com/ttmott/myhomepage/index.html )

[Elk Chaser]

http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/935P1010001-med.JPG

[Elk Chaser]

She is a sweet ride aint she.......

[Banshee]

Hi guys,
I'll check out Ford Truck World and here's another for you.
http://www.ford-truck.com/
I like thier forums.
Have Fun!

[Elk Chaser]

Just Kidding!
2002 F350 CC 4x4 PSD
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/935IMG_0574-med.JPG

[USMC1812]

let me know if I can help,
Doug
[ September 11, 2003, 08:17 AM: Message edited by: USMC1812 ]

[Elk Chaser]

Doug, you probly should of PM'd me that........
I've heard many horror stories when people post their number, you may want to edit that post and delete it. It's up to you.
Talk at ya later!
[ September 10, 2003, 07:23 AM: Message edited by: Elk Chaser ]