Is it possible to paint a boat yourself at home? If so, how do you get it off the trailer and then back on?

Question

I have a 24' Chaparral that seriously needs a paint job, but it costs more to paint than it did to buy it. Soooo, I'd like to do a little D-I-Y, if possible. What do you think?

Answer 1

get alot friend help you pick it up

Answer 2

We use A frames and rachet straps...then block up....we've also used fork lifts, backhoes and of coarse a crane.

Answer 3

I don't know what a 24' Chaparral weighs, but if its a manageable weight I would get several ratcheting tie down straps, ratchet it 20 degrees sideways on the trailer, paint on side at a time, let it dry then ratchet it the other way and repeat. Will mean having to do a lot of the underside work from beneath the trailer.   Block it and move the blocks as it drys. Danger! Danger! Will Roberson!

Answer 4

use those foam brushes or an airgun for the painting for the smoothest finish. sanding will take a very long time, use fine grit as fiberglass is not metal like other

Answer 5

jack it off the trailer onto blocks of wood , then start sanding it then prime it then sand again then seal it then sand then paint first coat , hope this helps

Answer 6

Inflate the tires (or even jack up the boat / trailer).  Borrow/Purchase some Jack Stands or blocks to support the boat in at least 3 places each side.

Deflate the tires to give yourself some space and possibly even remove the trailer.

Prepare and paint the boat (use appropriate health precautions)... You will be able to do all but the places the jack stands/blocks rest... Then one pair at a time, lower and move the jack stands to a painted patch - leaving the unpainted areas available to prepare and paint.

But beware - most boat bottom paint has copper in, and there are lots of health and safety rules, especially with the debris from your sanding.

Answer 7

I am repainting mine next week, I am moving my front winch stop forward 6 inches winching my boat up to the stop, painting what I can, then I will take it to the river to let it come back the six inches, to finish what i missed, it is time consuming but it is the safest way I could think of.