Chocks

 18 May 23:

I can't say that we've ever had a boat trailer roll away, maybe because we keep them chocked, a habit transfer from our airplane activities. We like to make the chocks from scrap 2x4 and line, then paint them with leftover paint, usually a high visibility color. The chocks for ST. JACQUES got freshened up.

How To Make Trailer Chocks

25 Nov 22:

When we get some scrap 2x4 and line laying around, we like to make trailer chocks. We have enough trailers for just a few chocks, and this set will go to replace a rotten set from CYANE's trailer.

We start by cutting 2x4 or 2x6 lumber to 8 inches long. Then we use a 1 1/4 inch spade bit to make a recess underneath to hold the chock line knot. A smaller hole is drilled through the recess to make a  hole for the chock line.

The finished pair of chocks looks like this. We hade 3/16th inch diameter line, so the hole for the line was drilled to 1/4 inch. 3 feet of line works for us, so we can drape the line over the wheel hub and keep it out of the mud. 
 

Video: https://youtu.be/yXLC6Eta2Co

Leftover paint is used, what Capn Jack called a "heel of paint." A bright color is preferable to help folks keep from tripping over chocks, TotalBoat Wet Edge Fire Red in this case, applied full strength. Another reason we add the line is so we can hang the chocks off of the trailer as we move the trailer around the yards, and to keep the chocks together when not in use. Plus I bet the little kids who visit will enjoy dragging them around.

There was paint left on the brush so workbench art continues...

Cheers from the Chock Factory,

Clark and Skipper

Boat Trailer Chocks

24 Feb 21:

There is nothing more salty in trailer sailing than making some trailer chocks. Using Capn Jack's time honored method we made a few extra chocks from scrap 2x4 pressure treated lumber and spare bits of line. We use a 1 inch spade bit to drill out a space to bury the chock line knot underneath, and another smaller hole for the line to pass through, as big or bigger than the line diameter. Then we paint the chocks a visible color so they don't become trip hazards.

If we shave a little off the top edge that faces the tire, then the chocks become "handed," there is a left hand chock and a right hand chock. You might note that the video ends abruptly, when I noticed that I had drilled the hole for a couple of chocks on the wrong end. Easy to drill a few more holes :)