Selecting a Replacement Swivel Jack for a Venture Boat Trailer
Updated 11/25/2014 | Published 11/24/2014
Question:
I have a 2003 1960 pro sport boat, center console 1900 lbs. dry, 115 Suzuki motor around 500 lbs. plus gas and accs. I am guessing a little under 3000 lbs. . I want to get a new swivel jack for my trailer, not sure what rated pound jack I should get? I cant seem to find any numbers on it, its a fulton jack. thanks.
asked by: John
Helpful Expert Reply:
Thank you for submitting a photo of your boat and trailer showing the trailer's bolt-on Fulton side-wind caster wheel swivel jack which you want to replace.
When it comes to jacks - or for that matter to hitches - extra capacity is always a good thing. Since the incremental cost to go from a 1000-lb-rated jack to a 1600-lb-rated one is so small, it just makes sense to select a jack with more capacity than you need. This will help the jack last longer and make cranking it easier. The link at right will show you all bolt-on pull-pin swivel jacks with caster wheels. I also linked an article on trailer jacks for your review. Note that the jack will never have to bear anything near the total actual combined boat/trailer weight of 3000-lbs.
Boat trailers typically have a fairly low tongue weight - as a percentage of the trailer's total weight. Since most of the hull weight as well as that of the outboard motor and fuel tanks are concentrated at the rear of the trailer, TW may be as low as 10-percent. If you wish you can measure your trailer tongue weight using a scale like the # e99044 or by one of the methods outlined in the linked article.
Or you can simply choose a jack that you know has plenty of capacity, such as the Fulton Bolt-Thru Swivel Marine Jack with Dual Wheels # FXPD15L that offers a 1500-lb and 12-inch lift capacity.
