Boat Stands

While you may think the obvious option would be to choose boat stands based on the vessel type you own, this is not always the best decision. For instance, if you have a powerboat that has a deep V-shaped bow, you would be best using motorboat stands for the stern, but sailboat stands that are angled for the bow. There are also specific stands for powerboats and pontoon boats. In addition to these options, you can explore using boat dollys and boat lift systems. Boat lift equipment allows you to. Read More

Therefore, the better way to make the right choice is by considering the angle that is formed between the boat’s hull and the central strut of the stand. Ideally, the threaded rod on the stand should slot into the center strut at an angle of approximately 90-degrees to the hull.

To use your stands properly, they need to be securely positioned on flat, preferably firm ground. If you need to place stands on softer ground, you need to make sure the dunnage is under the stand base. Read More

Supports For Starboard/Port Sides

Choose a place to store your boat where there is stable, hard ground to ensure the legs and keel blocks do not sink. The tops of the stand rods should have a minimum amount of thread exposed with the rod placed at an angle as close to perpendicular to the hull as you can. To make sure this is possible, the rear legs should be placed parallel to the waterline. They Should be placed square with the hull, with the top of the legs under the flat of the hull to offer stability.

Stands for Stern and/or Bow

The majority of sailboats need supports with vee tops to stop the vessel’s bow from dropping forward. There is only one real exception to this rule – if you have a full keel sailboat that does not have a heavy bow. If the stern has an excessive overhang, you will need two extra stands starboard and port.

Boat Stand Safety Chains

If you are using safety chains with sailboats, supports are placed in a position where the top of the stand is snug against the hull. 3/16-inch safety chains are placed at the special notch of those supports with the chain passed athwartship either under, after, or before the keel and to the starboard. The starboard supports are placed in their approximate position without being too snug against the hull, then you pull the chain tightly and place it into the starboard stands chain notch. Once it is snug in there; you can pull the starboard boat stands outboard until the chain is tight. You then tighten the stands' top, being sure that the rear legs run parallel to the boat’s hull. Using more safety chains, repeat this process for all sides to stop the boat stands from just sliding up the hull of the boat.

Keel Blocking Boat Stands

It is recommended that you use at least 2 blocking piles on stable and firm ground to take the weight of the boat. Each pile of blocking should have three blocks. This stops the blocks from sinking.

Although it will depend on the particular boat stands you use, it is highly recommended that you don’t overload boat stands. Therefore, don’t expect a single boat stand to take more than 1,000-pounds. If you tried to make them, take more than that weight, the threads will gall, and it could damage not just the boat stands themselves but the boat.

Part of determining what the right boat stands are for your vessel means working on the right size you need. Remember, boat stands are designed to stabilize your vessel, while the keel blocking actually takes most of the weight of your boat. The simplest way to calculate the correct size would be to take the draft of your boat (in inches), then add the blocking pile height and then subtract roughly six inches.

In order to secure and hold your boat as safe as possible, it's crucial to have a professionally made boat stand. Unless you can fabricate and weld your own metal stand it is best to buy a boat stand.