I bet boats stay more in the bunk than in the water. That’s because bunking is a routine of boat storage or towing.
Either way, you should be familiar with lifting the boat off the trailer to replace bunks. Bunk replacement is an inseparable task in boat services. However, lifting your boat off the trailer can be tricky and potentially dangerous.
In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to lift a boat off a trailer to replace bunks
How to Lift Boat Off Trailer To Replace Bunks
#1: Preparation
Before you start lifting your boat off the trailer, there are a few key things you need to do to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
First, you will need to make sure that you have all the necessary equipment on hand. You’ll need a hydraulic jack, jack stands, a couple of blocks of wood, and a set of wrenches.
Next, you’ll want to ensure that the area around the trailer is clear of any obstacles. This will give you plenty of room to work and ensure you don’t accidentally damage your boat or trailer.
Finally, you’ll want to inspect your boat and trailer for any damage or issues affecting the lifting process. Look for cracks or weak spots in the trailer frame, and ensure the boat is correctly balanced.
#2: Lifting the boat
Once you’ve prepared your equipment and inspected your boat and trailer, it’s time to start lifting the boat off the trailer. Follow these steps to do so safely:
● Position the hydraulic jack under the boat. Place a block of wood on top of the jack to prevent damage to the boat’s hull.
● Use the hydraulic jack to lift the boat off the trailer slowly. Be sure to lift the boat evenly on both sides to avoid damage to the hull.
● Once the boat is lifted off the trailer, place a jack stand under each side of the boat to support it. Ensure the jack stands are positioned securely and won’t shift or tip over.
● Lower the hydraulic jack and remove it from under the boat.
#3: Replacing the bunks
Now that the boat is safely lifted off the trailer, replacing the bunks is time. Follow these steps:
● Remove the old bunks from the trailer. Use a wrench to remove any bolts or screws holding them in place.
● Install the new bunks onto the trailer. Use the same bolts or screws that you removed from the old bunks.
● Adjust the height of the bunks so that they are level with the bottom of the boat hull. It will help ensure that the boat is adequately supported during transport.
#4: Lowering the boat
With the new bunks installed, lowering the boat back onto the trailer is time. Follow these steps:
● Position the hydraulic jack under the boat once again. Place a block of wood on top of the jack to prevent damage to the boat’s hull.
● Use the hydraulic jack to slowly lower the boat onto the new bunks. Make sure the boat is aligned correctly with the bunks.
● Once the boat rests on the new bunks, remove the jack stands from under the boat.
● Lower the hydraulic jack and remove it from under the boat
FAQs
How do I know if my boat is correctly balanced on the trailer?
To check if your boat is correctly balanced on the trailer, measure the distance from the boat’s bow to the trailer tongue and from the stern to the rear. These distances should be roughly equal.
Can I lift my boat off the trailer with just a floor jack?
Using a floor jack to lift your boat off the trailer is not recommended, as it can be unstable and potentially dangerous. A hydraulic jack is safer as it provides excellent stability and control.
How often should I replace the bunks on my boat trailer?
The frequency of replacing the bunks on your boat trailer will depend on how frequently you use your boat and the conditions in which it is stored.
Inspect the bunks regularly for any signs of wear or damage and replace them every two to three years.
How is the boat hoist I’m using the right size?
Check the hoist’s weight limit and ensure it’s more significant than the weight of your boat.
Conclusion
In this guide, how to lift the boat off the trailer to replace bunks is a task that should be approached with caution and care.
Inspect your equipment and boat before starting; use a hydraulic jack for stability. Always work in a transparent and open area.
By lifting your boat off the trailer properly, you can ensure that your boat stays safe and secure during transport.