Lifting an 18C ?

[fogducker III]

Can somebody tell me if it is advisable or even possible to lift an 18C by the bow and stern "lift" eyes? Yes I realize they are called 'lift" eyes and are bolted through the top deck and seem to be well anchored in the structure of the boat, but I am not 100% sure about placing all the weight on these two points?

I want to do some work on the trailer as well as give the hull a good scrubbing so thought this might be the best way?:confused:

[chappy]

If the rings make you nervous after inspection, you could always use heavy duty straps around the belly, then move them a few inches to finish the cleaning job.

[mattyboy]

i can't speak for the new boats I would go with Poodle on that but I do know of many older boats on my lake that lived on their lift rings for over 30 years
check out this thread scroll down for the pics that boat lived on it rings hence the great condition it is still a lift queen but it now is on a bunk lift there is an 87 on my lake on it's rings as well

there are a few 60's boats up in lake george hung on their rings
http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=29555

[fogducker III]

Great info, thanks! I have looked seriously at the rings, washers, nuts, bolts and plates that it is all fastened to, all looks good, I feel better about lifting it like that, again, thank you.

[Pismo]

I had a problem with the rear bracket on a 22 big block so watch that closely. It bent significantly upon my first lift. I replaced it with a stronger one.

[MDonziM]

I had an old 16' (1969)I must have lifted 50 times over 8-10 years with no problem. Just make sure you are rigged properly to lift strait up. I have seen different rear brackets and would not trust some. Lifted my 22 last year to adjust a new trailer and bent the rear bracket a little.

[Speed-Racer]

Definatly watch the blate, it seems the older boats have steel plates and the newers ones such as my Dads 1996 16' has aluminum, and it did bend when lifted!!:crossfing:

[DonziDan16]

My dad has a 1980 18c that has been kept on a lift using the rings every summer for the past 10 years. No problems.

[fogducker III]

This is a 1995 boat and I agree with what Speed racer pointed out, the plates appear to be aluminium......... as soon as I started putting some weight on the lift eyes I could see some definate flex....:eek:

I think I will be using canvass lift straps and not risking damaging the hull....:frown:

thanks for all the input.