Home made trailer repairs - NJFishing.com Your Best Online Source for Fishing Information in New Jersey

briansnat · #1 04-11-2017, 11:55 PM

For those of you who trailer boats, how do you get the boat off to do trailer repairs and upgrades? No way I can do it in my backyard. I'd need at least 6 strong men to lift the boat off.

I thought about bringing it to a ramp somewhere where I can unload the boat then work on it, but I'm not sure what the various parks systems would think about me bringing all of my tools to work on the trailer in the parking lot.

I need to replace the bow roller and the brackets holding the bunks are starting to rust. While replacing those brackets I'd like to switch to roller bunks, but how to go about it?

frugalfisherman · #2 04-12-2017, 08:09 AM

How about just jacking the boat up in one area, doing the work and then going on to next area?

Fishin Dude · #3 04-12-2017, 10:48 AM

Jack and blocks, if your not comfortable with that, launch and then work on the trailer. Don't worry about what anyone thinks. If anyone questions you, tell them it broke and you need to fix it. They will feel bad for you and leave you alone. Those repairs shouldn't take long at all.

Capt. Debbie · #4 04-12-2017, 11:10 AM

Also when you are done. You will need to tweak the trailer to set the supports and rollers at the correct height, contact point on the hull and angle.

I did that when I bought a new trailer. Have tools and launch and re-launch over and over again to set it up for your boat.

BigRock44 · #5 04-12-2017, 11:26 AM

google the topic and check out some of the specific advice online. there are some you tube vids that may be helpful for your size/type of boat and trailer. take the advice that seems most sensible and safe for your particular needs. there is as much bad advice out there as good!

ScowardNJ · #6 04-13-2017, 11:24 AM

I've done several repairs and adjustments right at the ramp. Of course be courteous for others using the ramp.

Capt. Debbie · #7 04-14-2017, 11:07 AM

Good point! Obvious to many, but unfortunately not all.

I was using that ramp in and out over and over for about 30-45 minutes. The ramp I was used was in Secaucus on the Hackensack River on a Tuesday afternoon. Obviously not a high launch traffic ramp.

SO choose when and when wisely knowing you will need it a lot!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScowardNJ

I've done several repairs and adjustments right at the ramp. Of course be courteous for others using the ramp.