Jack Stands

[TimC2520]

I am seriously considering storing the boat in my driveway this year for more convenience and to save some coin. It's a 1999 2520 MVSC.
It's a new paver driveway, recently expanded. I checked with the twp and I have plenty of front and side setback to be within zoning ordinances.
My question involves jack stands versus blocks. I will be on and off it during layup for general maintenance, bottom painting, etc. Blocks take up alot of room to store during the months the boat will be in the water, jack stands are roughly $125+- per and would seem to take up less room when not in use. (Brownell seems to be what I am finding on-line). Anyone ever consider this or do we all, for the most part, use blocks?

---Tim

 

[pelagic2530]

blocks are alot more stable than the jackstands. if youre going to be on and off the boat alot, definitely use the blocks. i would never consider using just stands, ive heard too many horror stories of boats just getting blown right off of stands. i use mine to further support the sides of the boat when its on blocks, and to jack it up temporarily if i need to move the blocks for whatever reason, but never for long periods of time. theyre a good supplement but theyre not a replacement.

 

[Brent]

http://www.yardarm.com/marine_products/ ... system.htm

I bought dollys without the wheels and replaced them with 4 x 6 treated lumber ripped to 4 3/4 ". I have not installed them yet but they are well made, heavy using 2 " square tubing, adjustable and painted. I will take pictures and post later
We use davit lifts so the plan is lift out and set on the stands without needing blocks or cribbing.
Dollys are commonly used in boat showrooms and service areas to move boats and I just need them for stationary use

 

[POGE]

which ever method you go with, you may consider placing some plywood squares under stands or blocks to spread out the weight load to protect those pavers.

 

[jeffnick]

Is this in lieu of a trailer? Why not a trailer?

 

[Bryan 2530]

You need both blocks and stands.

Block the keel and place the stands to "balance" the boat.
If you just use the stands the ice will cause hem to spread from the weight of the boat, unless you chain them.

Whomever you hire to move the boat should know how to block it. I did this for many years with my old boat.... 25 Whitewater. Very easy and convenient.

 

[TimC2520]

I've thought about a trailer, but I really don't have the room to store it 12 months a year. The home is my dad's second home so it does not get much use during the winter months. A trailer in the driveway all spring, summer and fall would always be in the way. Most of the neighbors are year 'round residents so the boat will be safe from any bad "elements".
There is a guy in the town who has hauled it before for some repairs last year, hydraulic trailers, really reasonable and is really good.
I think I'll go blocks with the wood underneath to spread the load.
It's on blocks every winter at the marina and always felt stable when we worked on it.
Thanks guys.

 

[Parker23]

which ever method you go with, you may consider placing some plywood squares under stands or blocks to spread out the weight load to protect those pavers.

I winter over on pavers and use the plywood squares also.

 

[Bryan 2530]

The nice thing about using the stands is you can crank them up a little and move them around to paint underneath the pads and blocks.

That is a little harder on blocks.

They usually pop up on craigslist for little money, worth the investment in my opinion.

 

[TimC2520]

So I stopped by the local concrete place in town and was looking at some concrete block. They have what look and feel (weight) similar to what the marina has been using, 8X8X16 "FHA" concrete block. Not sure what the "FHA" is about. What are you guys using, any advice?

 

[Brent]

I avoid using concrete blocks but when I do, the blocks ae place with the voids up and piece of wood covers the block's top and bottom

 

[TimC2520]

It's very confusing, it seems everyone I talk to says it's a bad idea, but that's all I've ever seen up this way for 40 years. Conc blocks, then a piece of wood between them and the hull. Maybe two stands to keep it from tilting sideways. Is it the freeze/thaw cycle with snow/ice that is the concern? Just wondering ....

 

[Brent]

I agree and everyone says it is unsafe and not recommended!
I use wood blocks (cribbing) now but bought a pair of metal dollies and
post a picture soon. They were pricey but built like a Parker

 

[Brent]

stands

 

[tara11]

Brent, those blocks look like they are solid as a Parker

 

[chrismele]

I'm down on LBI too (surf city) between the soft sand/stones and high wind stands are the way to go. You should block the keel forward and aft and use stands to balance the boat. I too recomend using plywood under all blocks and stands. If you in a spot that get supper windy then consider using sailboat stands (brownell sb-2's) as your forward set with chains. I would say 4 stands will work but 6 stands would be best.

 

[Brent]

Brent, those blocks look like they are solid as a Parker

yes, heavy and adjustable.
Soon I will modify the lift cables so the boat will clear the stands and no longer need to break apart.