Here are three types of tongue jacks for today’s boat trailers. Swing Jacks. The Lift: Hand-crank jacks such as West Marine’s 1,500-pound-capacity swivel-mount model ($114.99; westmarine.com) bolt on ...

The jack’s 7-inch-diameter cast foot plate has a unique ball-and-socket joint that accommodates uneven surfaces. The hand-crank jack provides 13 inches of height adjustment and swings up to a ...