Chain for jackstands

[saurav16]

I guess it is a good idea to use chain with the jack stands. What diameter do most people use? I have a 27' Catalina. Thanks!

[TrueBlue]

I purchased the chain from Brownell many years back, when my boats were a bit smaller and professionally hauled to the house.

3/16" galv. safety chain is typical for most sailboats however. Stay away from the marine stores - don't need marine grade or hi-test. It's much cheaper at your local hardware big-box store.

[sailingdog]

It depends on the exact jackstands, but most use the 3/16 chain that TB mentions. You can get it at Home Despot and Lowes relatively cheaply.

[saurav16]

Thanks, is it really necessary to have plywood under the jack stands?

[TrueBlue]

Thanks, is it really necessary to have plywood under the jack stands?

If the ground is of a hard and impermeable material, such as concrete or asphalt, then squares of plywood may be an overprotection. Otherwise you should use pads over dirt, sod or gravel, since it's subject to compression from the jackstand's point loading. This is especially true during wet weather.

[sailingdog]

Even on asphalt, if it gets hot enough, the jackstands can sink into it... Pads are required for anything but concrete, asphalt or solid rock—in other words, you need them for sand, gravel, grass, dirt, etc.

[saurav16]

So SD for grass and dirt you are saying you don't need pads under the jack stands? Or are you both saying you need plywood pads for dirt/grass.

[TrueBlue]

You need something to disperse the load when using stands on any soft material. The small area under each jackstand leg can settle on soft ground. Just use common sense -

[saurav16]

I guess so, I guess I am just being lazy

[sailingdog]

You need to put plywood down under the stands, unless they are on concrete, solid rock or asphalt, and if it gets really hot where you are, it might be good to have them on asphalt, unless there is concrete under it. Also, it should be 1/2" plywood or thicker, depending on the weight of your boat. The pads I made for my friend's boat are 3/4" plywood that has been fiberglassed over... to make them last longer than untreated plywood.

Originally Posted by saurav16

So SD for grass and dirt you are saying you don't need pads under the jack stands? Or are you both saying you need plywood pads for dirt/grass.