TRAILERS and LIFTING
The boat trailer is often one of the most overlooked parts of a complete boat restoration, even though it is responsible for safely supporting, transporting, launching and retrieving the boat. Restoring an older trailer can involve everything from rust repair, paint, tires and wheel bearings to new lights, wiring, bunks, rollers and properly supporting the hull. Just as important are the lifting systems and techniques used during the restoration itself. Engine hoists, gantries, jacks, blocks, straps and other lifting equipment make it possible to safely remove a boat from its trailer, lift heavy components and step or unstep a sailboat mast. The projects below cover practical boat trailer restoration, boat lifting and mast-stepping techniques that are an essential—and frequently forgotten—part of restoring and maintaining a sailboat or trawler.
Restore a Boat Trailer in Four Steps
An old rusty boat trailer doesn’t necessarily need a complete rebuild. In this video, I restore the trailer for my Skipper 20 sailboat using a simple four-step process for about $400. I start by assessing the condition of the existing trailer, removing and treating rust with Rust-Oleum Rust Reformer, and repainting the frame with enamel spray paint. I then replace the trailer tires and LED lights and build new boat trailer bunks to properly support the hull. The project demonstrates a practical, budget-conscious approach to turning an old, neglected boat trailer into a clean, functional and road-ready trailer as part of a complete sailboat restoration.
How to Lift and Block a Sailboat Off the Trailer
Getting a sailboat safely off its trailer is often necessary before you can properly repair, sand, paint or refinish the hull and deck. In this video, I lift and block a 2,900-pound Skipper 20 sailboat using a GoHoist A-frame boat hoist, adjustable boat stands and keel supports. I demonstrate positioning the lifting equipment, supporting the boat’s weight on the keel, placing the stands correctly, and working around the limited clearance created by the trailer. The project shows a practical DIY approach to lifting a sailboat off its trailer and safely blocking the hull so otherwise inaccessible areas can be reached during a complete boat restoration.
How to Lift a Large Boat Off a Trailer Without a Crane
Removing a large boat from its trailer doesn’t necessarily require a marina travel lift, crane or forklift. In this video, I demonstrate how I lifted a 4,200-pound bare hull Albin 27 trawler off a triple-axle trailer using a GoHoist A-frame boat hoist, keel support and adjustable boat stands. I cover lifting the hull, positioning and leveling the boat on stands, and safely moving the trailer out from underneath it. Getting the boat off the trailer provides complete access to the hull while also allowing the trailer to be serviced, painted and rewired. The project demonstrates a practical approach to lifting and blocking a larger trailerable sailboat or trawler at home during a major boat restoration.
Boat Trailer Tongue Extension for Shallow-Ramp Launching
Some trailerable boats are difficult to launch at shallow boat ramps because the trailer cannot be backed far enough into the water without putting the tow vehicle at risk. In this video, I show how I solve the problem by building a removable boat-trailer tongue extension that allows the trailer to travel farther down the ramp while keeping the truck safely on dry pavement. I cover the basic design, materials, cost and setup of the extension and explain how trailer geometry affects launching. The project provides a simple DIY solution for launching trailerable sailboats and other small boats at shallow or poorly designed ramps. Episode coming soon.
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