Beginner Tongue Jack Question.

[webertime]

Got my first boat, a big tin (18.5', ~1500lbs, 115hp Merc).  The current jack is done...  rusted and has a bend/twist to it.  I am looking at replacements and see them rated to different weights.  Do I need to go to the 1500lb rating?  Or since the vast majority of the weight is on the axle/tires, can I use one rated to say 700 or 1000lbs?

 

Thanks all.

[Teal]

My 20 ft javelin with a 200 hp motor uses a 1000 lb jack. The boat weighs over 2700lbs empty. Lol I just had to go outside to check it to be sure.

I was under the impression that it needs to be a thrid of the total weight.

I think that 700lb jack can be had fairly cheap, it would be more than enough and you would rest easy.

[Jig Man]

I'd be surprised if you have more than 100 lbs tongue weight.  If you can lift the front of the trailer then any jack will work for you.  I have a rig that weighs in at over 4000# fully loaded with a tandem trailer and a 1000 lb jack has been doing fine for 12 years.

[webertime]

Thanks guys!

[Teal]

I just on a boating forum, where someone said 10% of total weight was needed

[TRYTOFISH]

$32 at walmart

[Hi Salenity]

The cheapest one you can find will work fine.

I'm still looking for one with a wheel on it that won't fight me when I'm trying to push my boats around. I swear those wheels know ware you want to but won't spin (steer) just to make life difficult

[Fishing Rhino]

The cheapest one you can find will work fine.

I'm still looking for one with a wheel on it that won't fight me when I'm trying to push my boats around. I swear those wheels know ware you want to but won't spin (steer) just to make life difficult

 

Put a wrap of masking tape or use a sharpie to mark the inner tube where it extends from the outer tube.

 

Raise the bow to the limit of the jack.  Put a sturdy stand under the tongue, then crank the handle to take the weight off the jack.  Release the lock and swivel the jack so the wheel is up.  Get a spray can of white lube with the "straw", and spray the lube down between the tubes.  Pivot the inner tube, and lube again. Lube the exposed tube to the tape or mark, then retract it all the way, pivoting the inner tube as you retract it.

 

If your jack has a grease fitting, lube that too.  It usually lubes the gear mechanism.

 

While you're at it, lube the wheel axle as well. 

 

Then jack the tongue up, remove the stand, and lower the boat to its normal position.  Clean any excess lube off the inner tube, and it should roll and steer easily.

 

It doesn't take much of a bind to make steering difficult.