We trailer our boats constantly on Northeast Angling. One of the most important things we need to make sure is in full working order is the trailer jack. When we picked up the boat from the shipyard we noticed that one in four trailers had a broken jack. The reason for this is that the original jack that most trailers come fitted are not built to last, and once that breaks most boaters walk into their local marine store and buy the most inexpensive jack they can find.
The jack we used is manufactured by Dutton-Lainson, this jack is rated for up to 1000lbs but once we pulled it out of the box we saw that this wasn’t an ordinary jack. The jack has a much larger profile than ones of the same rating that we have used in the past. The quality was far better than anything we had used, the hardware was second to none and their attention to detail is top notch, and even the welds were perfect.
To select the proper jack for your boat is to calculate how much tongue weight your trailer should have which is 10% of the weight of the rig. The boat we were using weighs 6000lbs which is including the trailer, motor, fuel and miscellaneous gear. We will be filming another video demonstrating the proper way to measure how much weight is on the tongue and how to adjust it according to your rig.
When positioning the jack you should mount it as close to the tongue and as far from the post as possible. That way if you need to move the post forward to accommodate a larger boat, you will have no interference.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A fully working trailer jack is crucial because it ensures safe and stable support when loading, unloading, or parking your boat on the trailer. A broken or poor-quality jack can lead to accidents, damage to your trailer or boat, and difficulties in handling your rig.
The Dutton-Lainson trailer jack stands out due to its larger profile, superior build quality, high-grade hardware, excellent welds, and detailed craftsmanship. Although rated for 1000lbs, it offers enhanced durability and reliability than many similarly rated jacks.
To choose the proper jack, calculate the tongue weight of your trailer, which should be about 10% of the total rig weight including boat, motor, fuel, and gear. For example, a 6000lbs rig requires a jack rated to handle at least 600lbs of tongue weight safely.
The jack should be mounted as close to the trailer tongue and as far away from the post as possible. This positioning prevents interference if the post needs to be moved forward to fit a larger boat and helps maintain stability.
Many boaters replace broken trailer jacks with the cheapest option available at local marine stores. These inexpensive jacks often lack durability and quality, leading to frequent failures and safety risks.
You can visit the Dutton-Lainson Company website at https://www.dutton-lainson.com/ to explore their full range of high-quality trailer jacks and other products designed for marine and agricultural use.
Northeast Angling provides various trailering tips and best practices on their website, which can help ensure safe and efficient trailering of your boat. Visit their trailering tips category for videos and guides.
