Broken U-Bolt on Bunk Support

[Meme N Pop]

I have a broken u-bolt on the bunk support on my trailer. Is there a safe way to jack up the ski on that side so it can be repaired? I am scared to trailer it to the water that way but I don't want to risk punching a hole in the hull either.

I was thinkin about using another 2x4 with a couple of jacks just under the bunk that is broken, like between it and the keel. Would this be possible?
Any ideas appreciated.

 

[wtrgrl]

Yup that will work. Just jack it up slowly and leave just enough room to work on the trailer

 

[Meme N Pop]

tried this method and failed!!

The new 2x4 just wants to slide up to the bunk when you try to jack it.
and I can see the dramatic end if I just assumed it would hold when I loosened the bunk.

Any Ideas? Can you jack it under the keel? or will this damage it?

 

[wtrgrl]

If the bow winch post can support the bow weight, then you can use an automotive floor jack and some wood to lift under the ride plate at the transom.

Lift the hull just a few inches at the rear, with the bow also supported, then remove and replace u-bolt.

If you want more security while the hull is raised, place some supports across the trailer frame, and stack wood blocks up to touch the hull keel.

Keep your hands away from between hull and bunks as you work.

If you want to lift it from the keel I would suggest notching the wood

 

[seadooya]

bunk broken, or the u-bolt, that holds the bunk bracket, is broken? If just the u-bolt, jack up the bunk, and install new one. If bunk broken, as long as the ski, is "weighted' on the bunk brackets, the bunk wont collapse, and hit ski. Trailer it to water, remove ski, and replace bunk there.

 

[Meme N Pop]

Seadooya it is actually the u bolt and it isn't completely broken through but it's not hanging on by much.
We are going to have to cut it off cause its much to rusty to take the nuts loose.
But with the pressure on the bunk from a jack underneath if you disconnect it from the axle, won't the bunk just slide up the hull like the 2x4 I tried underneath? because it won't have anything to keep it from going sideways.

I don't know if I am explaining this right but I want to make sure I don't end up with the ski falling and breaking something or someone.

 

[seadooya]

if theres enuf bracket hanging underneath the crossmember, jack it up from there

 

[Meme N Pop]

ooohhh didn't think of that.

If you weren't so far away I'd buy you a Coke :cheers:

Thanks for all of your help. I hope to someday be as knowledgeable about these things as you are!!

by the way... What is a Dogs clacker anyway? and how would it go about getting a slippery stick in there?