[Rhodes22-list] Lifting and Jacking the Rhodes

[Ric Stott]

It’s tricky.
I  have used a number of ways to lift the bow so the trailer can be pulled out and replaced. 
This year (would have been the 4th season on the bottom paint) I used a friends fork- lift- it worked great. 
In the past I have used a gantry that I built out or 5/4 x 6 & plywood with a 4 x 8 pressure treated girder across the top and a 3 ton come-a-long.
I built the parts, put it together lying on the ground, then pulled it up with a line while standing on the bow after staking the bottom to the ground so it would not slide. 
If you afraid of heights - this method is not for you. 
I worked this all single handed and it wasn’t tooo difficult, but my aging back is making it impossible to do that these days, especially by myself..  
The fork lift was much easier. . . 
When I used the gantry, I left it in place.  My friend had to take his toy away so I didn’t have the fork-lift for back up. 
I use the bow ring to lift the bow, but I had recently rebelt the baking so I knew it was very strong - always know what is behind the thing you are fighting from. 
Anyway, 3 jacks initially, two in the stern and one just forward of the keel- so there is nothing in the way of the trailer wheels. 
Then (this is not shown) add one  jack on each side, about midship, for stability, for a total of 5 jacks while you are working  on the boat. 
The two amidship can be moved  fore and aft while you are sanding and painting. 
The two in the stern and one forward of the keel, are left in place and those three spots are sanded and painted once the boat is back on the trailer. 
Always, be extra safe and careful. I had the boat fall off the  jacks once when I was jacking it with a hydraulic jack and a 4 x 4  without the Gantry or Fork lift. 
It scared the shit out of me, so now I’m always super careful and take my time for every action when I’m moving the boat. 
Fortunately, I didn’t get hurt and neither did Dadventure. 
Good luck in your adventure. 
Ric 
SV Dadventure 
Hampton Bays, NY  

> On Jul 20, 2025, at 11:42 AM, Kenwood _ <kenwood364 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 













> Hey all!
> I'm planning on lifting and jacking my rhodes up on blocks and boat jacks.
> Boatyard style. This is my first time taking a boat as big as the rhodes
> off its trailer and doing this. We're planning some major trailer service
> and thats whats bringing this about. Its illegal in my state to moor or
> anchor overnight and the few places that rent legal moorings are extremely
> sought after, so, jacking is our option.
> 
> I can lift the boat off the trailer but for placement on the ground i was
> thinking to block under the keel and use short boat stands front and rear,
> then much taller stands all around to keep the boat upright. Is this plan
> correct? Anyone have tips? Would very much love to hear thank you!

Richard F. Stott, AIA, LEED AP 
ric at stottarchitecture.com
C- 516-965-3164



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