Looking for ideas to get boat & trailer in new garage

Pfu

Pfu

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 15, 2021
Messages
174
Reaction score
31
Points
28
Age
63
Location
Burlington Vermont
Model
Gulfstream
Recently purchased new house on Lake Champlain with large separate garage. Garage doors are large in width and height but still too short to back Gulfstream 232 with hardtop in. My first thought is to cut door header and raise to add one more door section. Lowering air pressure in tires seems like a recipe for trouble and not sure it would be enough as would need another inch and a half (?) to clear. Thought about showroom rollers but not sure if could be attached to trailer and remove tires. Removing hardtop seems like a lot of trouble each year.

Any other ideas I might want to consider?
 
or just build a car port with a roof in the right dimensions, boats are made to stay outside.
If you are picky about sunlight exposure then use the shadow nets with not too small holes on the 3 sides.
Chris
 
Pictures? Depending on how the door opening is framed, and how much height you need it may not be a big deal to do.
 
Dont' get into the hardtop removal. Potential issues beyond the work are leaks, damage to hardtop (only balsa cored with thin layer of glass), electrical connections, etc.
If you modify the garage, ensure it is done correctly, you have a header to deal with and likely other structural things and esthetic issues to address. I'd do a cover as recommended.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mustang65fbk
Most likely a big structural header is installed over the top of the existing opening. It is not advisable to cut or modify the header without an architect/structural engineer's approval of a plan.

How much room do you need to clear the top. If only a few inches, you can deflate the tires to get the boat in and either reinflate or a safer approach is to block the trailer and take the load off of the tires. That hull is pretty heavy and you have to be careful how low you make the tire pressure for the move in.
You should also check how level the top is when connected to the vehicle. If it is slanted, you may be able to level it by adjusting the position (forward to aft) of the hull on the trailer Again this can be tricky if you move the hull backwards. The whole thing can tilt backwards, a scary thing.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sardinia306Canyon
Can we assume this is just for the Winter?

Nothing wrong with lowering the air pressure if it gives you enough room. You will likely have more head room once the boat is inside and you can pump them back up.

Find out EXACTLY how much clearance you need.

Inexpensive/easy options...

Get a set of cheap rims and use them without tires.

You might be able to put lower profile tires on there - but you probaby can't get smaller diameter rims because of the brakes.

If you only have brakes on one axle, you get smaller rims/tires for that axle and remove the other tires.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SkunkBoat
You can do what I did, but it might take you a bit longer.;)
20240604_211155.jpg

I wouldn't completely deflate the tires. You will likely damage them.
I would go with the rollers if possible.
 
First of all, does the garage have a solid floor such as concrete? If it does, back the trailer partially into the garage, Jack the trailer up with railroad jacks or two floor jacks. Take the wheels completely off. Lower the trailer down to a few inches from the hubs touching the ground a block up. Rent two pallet jacks or machinery moving dollies from a local tool rental store and either use the pallet jacks on the rear part of the trailer frame or the dollies under the wheel hubs or with blocking under a part of the frame. Keep the pallet jacks or dollies as fat outboard as possible for stability. Carefully back the trailer in with eyes on the back until the hardtop clears the door. Jack the trailer back up and replace the wheels.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SkunkBoat
Trailer tires are pretty high profile, with tall sidewalls. . I’d think you can safely lower tire pressures enough for the short trip inside, and especially with radial tires not risk damaging expensive tires. At least it’s worth a try to air down a bit and measuring how much you can get before moving to the more involved options. If you run 50 psi try lowering first to the minimum rated pressure.
 
Last edited:
When you say "On Lake Champlain"..... I'm spending your money on a boathouse with a lift...and a bar....


I'm with you. I would absolutely love to have a warm dry place to work on my boat all winter.

Hardtop removal not an option...been there...never want to do it again...

The whole thing on the trailer will fit with room to work? Ceiling/rafters are high enough? Concrete floor?

As said before, somehow make the tires/wheels "smaller". Thats the cheapest easiest fix.
Transferring to boat dollies is along same lines. They are expensive but you get benefit of easily moving boat around. But trailer would have to park outside.


Header is a lot of work and needs to be done by someone who knows what they are doing. Over the long term, that is the probably a reasonable option.
 
Wow Lots of comments. Lake Champlain freezes and the goal is to put in garage (have a cover) to work on as the season gets closer. Vermont winters are cold and the garage is insulated and heated (28x40). Some fisherman fish as long as possible but because they have to back in and not worry about winterization.

My son and I measured again today with goal of not creating to much work every time we want to use it. Note I can back down from property into water. I think we can move the header up another foot and create the space needed/wanted With one small section of garage.

Cold out now so boat gets covered but in the Spring…
 
lowering the tire pressure to get an inch or two is no big deal. You don't want to run on the rims/bead. If you need more than a few inches, lowering the tire pressure won't work.
 
How tall is your tow vehicle and tow hitch? If your tow vehicle is lifted, and/or have a level/elevated tow hitch, if you only need another 1”-1.5” of room, couldn’t you likely get that from an adjustable tow hitch? The one linked below has a 5” drop, and they make them with a 9” drop, or maybe even more than that. I’d get something like this, back it up as far as you can to the garage, make sure you have the clearance and then go from there. If you still don’t, I’d be willing to bet letting some air out of the trailer tires with the lowered/adjustable hitch will be the winning combination.

 
Looks like you have chosen your path, but I'll throw another easier option if only a few inches are needed:
Take wheels off 1 set of axles. The added load to the other axle should drop the boat down about 2".
Between the above, ½ deflated tire and a ball mount as low as possible, you might gain an easy 3-4".
 
You must log in or register to reply here.