Which Boat stands??

B

Boat Hound

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I will be storing my boat in the off season at the house this year. What do I need for a 254 Express? I have seen a bunch on craigs list which are described a power boat stands- is that really all there is to it? I know there are different heights, but I have also seen some that are different angles as well.

What is everyone else using?
 
Not so much in our area. Because of the rapid freeze and thaw that we experience in our area, concrete tends to fall apart due to the moisture.

I have seen them used as far north as Boston, but that is about it. For a few hundred bucks, I would rather not dump my baby.
 
Down here, they use boat stands, concrete blocks and 4x4s or 2x4s, or cradles.

I wonder if you could build a cradle out of 4x4s. Something like this: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=htt ... CDAQ9QEwBg . Given your relatively longer period the boat is out of water, it is probably worth it to invest some extra money.

One thing to keep in mind. My dealer told me that Grady wants 60% of the boat's weight on the keel. You could confirm that by calling your dealer or Grady, but that suggests you will be using 4x4s or something in the middle regardless of whether you use stands or a cradle.
 
This is what you'd traditionally need...4 shoring stands and 2 keel stands or large wooden V blocks......the weight sits on the keel and the 4 shoring stands are mostly for side support and stability. They make various hieghts for different applications and boat size. The heads have plywood on them and most people use a piece of carpet on it to protect the hull...they also swivel. Some go with 6 shoring stands for additional stability, but thats normally for bigger boats.

http://www.defender.com/

Motor Boat Shoring Stand

25" - 38" top & stand
Fully adjustable, Stackable

Item #: 753254
Manufacturer: BROWNELL BOAT STANDS
Model #: MB-3
 
You need to get the size based on what it takes to get under the boat when it's on the trailer to make it as easy as possible for getting it off. The grey ones range from about 26" to 38" and the orange ones range from about 32" to 48". Lot's of keel blocking because as Frank pointed out, a lot of the weight is resting on the keel. I use 6x6 pressure treated stacked =ii=ii=ii fore and aft. The boat stands are positioned astern and about where the helm seats are 2/3 of the way forward.

The First time I took the boat off the trailer, my wife wouln't even look out the window to check on my progress she was so nervous. :lol: Now she helps me and understands what's involved. We take our time and make sure everything is positioned properly. Our neighbors watch and think we're pretty slick. 8)


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I am planning on blocking the keel in at least two spots with 8x8 's. I have always understood that the weight is on the blocks and the stands keep the boat upright. I had seen some stands which had angles, and others which where straight. I am think two of the flat towards the stern and two angled towards the bow? Or is four flatter (straighter).

They will be taking it off a hydraulic trailer- so I am guessing height is not a huge issue.
 
I think the angled stands you're talking about are for sailboats.

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They all have swivel tops that, to a certain extent, fit the contour of your boat. I try to position mine just under the chine where it's basically flat.

I really took notice when I walked through boat yards to see how "everybody else" does it before I took the plunge.
 
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