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Blocking the boat-on-the-hard

1180 Views 10 Replies 8 Participants Last post by SanderO, 2 mo ago

Barquito

Discussion Starter · 2 mo ago

I am looking at having my boat shipped a little closer to home so I can do a refit more efficiently. I would be storing it on a cradle that I have been using for a few years. Since I won't have access to all the toys the boys in the yard use to move my boat around, I was wondering what I need to consider in blocking the boat. For example, will it be OK to block it up a little higher than normal so I can lower a pad to do work on the hull? Will two extra jackstands be enough to do this? Any other considerations in preparing to put it in a non-boating storage yard for possibly a couple years?

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MikeOReilly

· #2 · 2 mo ago

I hesitate to offer an opinion on the blocking. Depends on how high, and what the conditions are. Generally, I don't think it's a problem as long as the balance remains correct, and the cradle pads are not being over-extended to reach the hull.

With regard to backing a pad off to do work, I do this all the time, with both jackstands and cradle pads. It should be a non-issue as long as the boat is level, and is sitting properly on its keel. But having a spare, movable jackstand, makes the task completely safe.

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JimsCAL

· #3 · 2 mo ago

I also commonly back off a jackstand to sand and paint. But you need redundancy. So either a spare jackstand or multiple sets holding the bow and stern up. Our club requires using 7 stands. Two sets on the back end plus another set plus a bow stand in the front end.

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JoeDunn

· #4 · 2 mo ago

When I had a Sabre 34 I would store it at my house and it was trailered to and from the house via the marina. we were only two miles or so from the marina...I used 3/4" cdx plywood under the stands. I used half sheets 4'x4' which was oversized but helpful when working under the boat since the area was grass and dirt. you could also cut the plywood down to say 12" x 12" and put under each leg of the stand. I often checked the stands throughout the winter or after strong winds...

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SV Siren

· #5 · 2 mo ago

You should be totally fine. I would get two extras so be able to lower two pads at the same time. I put 12' long 2x8's under each leg of my stands and check the stand pressure once a month or so, more often if high winds or a storm. Facebook Marketplace is a good place to find nice used ones.

My boat is on stands, and I have an extra set propping up the boat so I can back off two pads with having to worry about things moving or getting dangerous.

I have a 50' Columbia on ten stands four each side, one bow and stern each as well. It never moves, even after I had a huge tree fall on it.

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Barquito

Discussion Starter · #6 · 2 mo ago

My yard normally has solid wood blocks under the keel and cradle. Would it be better to use stacked plywood?

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paulk

· #7 · 2 mo ago

Solid blocks often tend to split under the pressure points. Plywood tends to delaminate after it gets wet. You get to pick

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MikeOReilly

· #8 · 2 mo ago

I've used solid wood, but big chunks (6x8, or bigger), and full coverage on the keel. My boat is a lot heavier than yours though. I use plywood for shimming. It tends delaminate, as Paul said, but again, my boat is pretty heavy (30,000#).

With regard to removing the pads. I'm stating the obvious, so sorry if this is too simple, but the pads should never be taking much weight (except for perhaps the bow point). They're just there to balance the boat on its keel. So as long as you have other pads on the same side, it shouldn't be a problem backing one off temporarily to do some work underneath.

Just make sure the boat is vertical, and then back off the pad slowly. You'll see very quickly if there is an issue of balance. Usually, if the pad-screw doesn't turn easily, it's a sign there's too much weight on it.

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JoeDunn

· #9 · 2 mo ago

Another thought to follow up on Mike O Reilly's valid points and if you are planning to leave the boat on the hard for a "few years" then consider putting the boat (that is stands and blocking) on a well drained soil or perhaps a bed of 3/4" stone. this will help keep the blocking in decent condition (drier) even the pressure treated lumber rots so for bottom blocking use ground contact PT. depending on where you are locating big lumber can be difficult to come by so perhaps a 6x6 blocking by 3' lengths with 2x stock on top might be a way bulk up the lumber.

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capta

· #10 · 2 mo ago

I've never used the stands to do anything more than keep the boat from tipping over. I always have the boat's weight resting on the keel.
If you want it higher off the ground, then increase the number of the big blocks she'll be resting on, then screw the stands up just enough so that your boat won't move either way. I haven't a clue about your cradle.

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SanderO

· #11 · 2 mo ago (Edited)

Boat rests on and is supported by the keel. Stands are for balance.

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