Best way to jack up boat

Today I discovered that the trailer has caused a four inch crack in my hull, well the boats hull actually. It seems the carpet covered 2X4 that is supposed to support the hull has bowed and the only support provided is on the very end where it's bolted to the trailer causing a dimple in the hull and hence, the crack.

Once the weather clears up I'll need to jack the boat up enough to remove and replace this old 2X4 and repair the hull but for the time being, to avoid further damage, I put a 2X4 against the hull in a position up and away from the damage to relieve the pressure. Has anyone jacked their boat up enough to perform the replacement I'll be doing and where is the best place to place jacks??

I used a bottle jack and used the 2X4 to spread the pressure on the hull but could still hear some creaking from the fiberglass.

Thanks in advance for any input !!

terry

I helped out a couple last summer who had placed a couple of 55 gallon drums under the stern and then placed a stack of heavy boards across. When they jacked up the front of the trailer, the stern rested on the boards. If you then supported jacked up the bow, I could see you getting the ship high enough to remove and replace the boards. Make sure you also support the sides so that a wind gust doesn't knock the boat sideways. The other option may be to launch the ship and work on the trailer while the ship is afloat.

With the current four inch crack in the hull - floating the boat isn't an option. I like the idea of jacking up the trailer though!!

Thanks. terry

Terry,
I have the 21 footer. To get mine off the bunks I lowered the front of the trailer to the ground which raises the back. Then support the stern with wood cribbing the barrels is a good idea. Then raise the front of the trailer. You may need the help of a jack here under the tongue and then rest the front of the boat on additional support. I placed cribbing right in front of the keel area. It is strong there and reasonably flat. Then lower the trailer to level again, and the boat should be clear. As mentioned earlier support the sides too. Mine was pretty solid and a friend got in the boat to lower the keel so I could work on it.
Hope this helps.
Russ

just a 4" crack? Grab the duct tape!

Which color duct tape - classic silver or black??

terry

Not to beat this subject to death but . . . . where on the front of the boat is the strongest area to place support??

terry

Personally I would support it just behind where the bow turns to bottom.

The best place to support the bow is in line with the bulkhead. That is the point where there is structural integrity inside to ensure no more cracks.

From the outside of the boat, that is typically about where the mast step is located.

I saw white duct tape with black mustache shapes...

I agree, in line with the bulkhead is the strongest.