Painting 21ec on trailer.

[TylerFromEverett]

Anyone ever painted the bottom of the 21ec while on a trailer? If so, what’s the trick? I have factory bottom paint that needs a recoat or two. I’ve painted bottoms before, so I know how to paint, just wondering if there’s a way to do it while it’s on a factory trailer and how if at all possible to get under the bunks.

Thanks!

 

[bob daily]

Tyler, I painted my bottom on the trailer, took side rails off, used hydraulic jacks to lift boat one side at a time, was slow going but doable. I do like to do things the hard way! Biggest problem was not a lot of room, next time will park trailer on softer ground! Bob

 

[TylerFromEverett]

Thanks Bob! Where were your jack points? did you use a block of wood or anything? Good call on the soft ground I’ll probably back it into my grass in the spring. Also just to be sure, my understanding is if you’re going like for like I just need to pressure wash the bottom scuff it up and then roll it on.

To that end, do you put anything on your running gear? My boat will be on a trailer nine months out of the year.

 

[Ultrasound]

I have a set of boat jacks that mount to the trailer and raise the boat. I used them on my R27 and they worked although they were maxed out on weight, They should work perfectly on your R21. I've upgraded to a R29 so have no use for them if you want them.

 

[TylerFromEverett]

I have a set of boat jacks that mount to the trailer and raise the boat. I used them on my R27 and they worked although they were maxed out on weight, They should work perfectly on your R21. I've upgraded to a R29 so have no use for them if you want them.

Oh, man. That's very cool and generous. I'll send you a DM.

 

[Red Raven]

Tyler,

I also have the boat stands/jacks that hook to the trailer to hold our Classic R27 off the trailer but I use two hydraulic jacks under the keel to do the heavy lifting while the jack stands are more for stabilization only. I made wooden cradles that fit under the keel to ensure they are centered and attached a piece of plate steel to the bottom of each cradle to ensure the hydraulic jack post doesn’t split the cradle. I also place a thick 2x2 sheet of plywood underneath each jack to give them a firm bed to sit on. About 4 or five inches of clearance is all you need to clean and paint under the bunks. The boat stands alone may be sufficient for an R21 but the hydraulic jacks will lift it much faster.

I would recommend a light sanding before painting to make sure the paint adheres well and you don’t get too much buildup.

Curt

 

[ixlr8]

I had a 21' wooden skiff. The builder told me to lift the boat by the keel and let it tip onto the bunks on one side, then lift enough to get clearance to do the work. Sand/paint the exposed side. Lower boat, lift again and tip the boat in the other direction and do the other side. It actually worked well, although the first time I tipped it to the side it was a bit un-nerving.
I would NOT try this with my 27OB, I am getting jack stands for when I need to sand/paint that boat.

 

[bob daily]

Tyler, I helped a friend replace his trailer bunks this winter, to lift boat off the trailer we lowered the front of the trailer, this raised the back of the boat, we blocked the stern with wood on both sides, then raised the front of the trailer, blocked the front, and lowered trailer so boat was completely off trailer!
Was not a lot of clearance but enough to remove bunks for replacement, his boat weighed more than my R21 so this is what I will attempt to do this spring for bottom painting.
Will let you know if this procedure is any easier than the last time I painted which was about 4 years ago. Bob

 

[Hamster]

Tyler - I did the same thing with my previous boat as Bob mentions. Lower the front of the trailer all the way down. Put blocks on the stern with wedges cut to match your boat bottom. Raise the front and block on the center keel. Lower and you are now off the trailer on three points.

I also changed trailers while blocked up. Have another set of front blocks and swap from one set to the other as you scoot your trailer out from under the boat. Depending on how many cross beams your trailer has, it means a few raise and lower steps. I can tell you it is a little unnerving being under the boat when on three sets of blocks. At least with the trailer there, you have some insurance. But if all set well, it works just fine. It is nice to be able to paint without having the trailer in the way. You will need a good jack to raise the boat onto the front blocks.

You could also haul your boat over to Bob's place. He's retired and likes red 21ECs a lot. 🙂