Hi everyone, When shoring my boat, how many jackstands are really needed? I don't want to make a mistake by using too few, or buying too many (looking at buying two more). I have a Hunter 40.5. Draws 4'10", displacement is 20,000lbs. Not sure what other information I need to provide. I have 7 jackstands, 3 per side, plus 1 for the bow. Just looking for some advice before I pull her from the water. Thanks!
How many jackstands do I need?
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They're not jackstands...
The stands for boats are "poppets", not "jackstands", which are for automobiles (I assume you're not using the automobile stands!). "Poppet" is old English for "puppet" or doll, which they resemble when they stand up. (A couple of the pirates in the film "Pirates of the Caribbean" called Keira Knightley's character "poppet" in the scene where they kidnap her). I assume the labels on your new poppets will have a capacity rating, which you could use to add up and decide whether you have enough. (It sounds like your 6+bow will be plenty, but their size will matter). I'm sure someone on the forum who works in a yard will tell you the details for getting best placement. Chains securely connecting the necks of the poppets to each other laterally underneath the hull are essential for safety.
The stands for boats are "poppets", not "jackstands", which are for automobiles (I assume you're not using the automobile stands!). "Poppet" is old English for "puppet" or doll, which they resemble when they stand up. (A couple of the pirates in the film "Pirates of the Caribbean" called Keira Knightley's character "poppet" in the scene where they kidnap her). I assume the labels on your new poppets will have a capacity rating, which you could use to add up and decide whether you have enough. (It sounds like your 6+bow will be plenty, but their size will matter). I'm sure someone on the forum who works in a yard will tell you the details for getting best placement. Chains securely connecting the necks of the poppets to each other laterally underneath the hull are essential for safety.
Poppets??
Thought "poppet" was an English term of endearment. Would't like to use this in any of the boatyards I've been in! Wonder what I'll end up with if I ask the burly yard guy for a couple of poppets. Jackstands, now everyone understands that.
Thought "poppet" was an English term of endearment. Would't like to use this in any of the boatyards I've been in! Wonder what I'll end up with if I ask the burly yard guy for a couple of poppets. Jackstands, now everyone understands that.
One more?
Up in Maine we call them boatstands. When Brownel delivered my 76 H25, I bought a set of used stands from them. They provided the bow and side stands as you mentioned and also a "motorboat" (vetical, not slanted)stand for the stern below the keel. Don't know if it really needed it, but seems like a good idea.
Up in Maine we call them boatstands. When Brownel delivered my 76 H25, I bought a set of used stands from them. They provided the bow and side stands as you mentioned and also a "motorboat" (vetical, not slanted)stand for the stern below the keel. Don't know if it really needed it, but seems like a good idea.
Ask the marina
I would bet that the marina that pulls your boat would know the proper amount and placement. I assume from earlier posts that you are at Toledo Beach Marina. If so, ask Lester, he'll know. Better yet, ask if they have any old cradles laying around that you could get for cheap.
I would bet that the marina that pulls your boat would know the proper amount and placement. I assume from earlier posts that you are at Toledo Beach Marina. If so, ask Lester, he'll know. Better yet, ask if they have any old cradles laying around that you could get for cheap.
Ask The Marina...
...if it's a marina that is familiar with sailboats. My marina can tell the difference between a powerboat and sailboat, but that's about it.
...if it's a marina that is familiar with sailboats. My marina can tell the difference between a powerboat and sailboat, but that's about it.
Some won't take them.
Talk with your marina and your insurance carrier. Some won't take boat stands and instead require a cradle. The thought is that an individual stand can shift from unstable ground or frost heave or the thaw cylce, dump the boat, and get a dmoino effect going through the marina. Don't know how valid the concern is, but that's what my carrier said. I bought a used cradle for about the same thing Brownell wanted for the stands. (Whoops, I suddenly realized I was replying improperly ... you already have stands and are wondering whether you need more. I'll leave my comment out there for what it's worth to anyone.) Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
Talk with your marina and your insurance carrier. Some won't take boat stands and instead require a cradle. The thought is that an individual stand can shift from unstable ground or frost heave or the thaw cylce, dump the boat, and get a dmoino effect going through the marina. Don't know how valid the concern is, but that's what my carrier said. I bought a used cradle for about the same thing Brownell wanted for the stands. (Whoops, I suddenly realized I was replying improperly ... you already have stands and are wondering whether you need more. I'll leave my comment out there for what it's worth to anyone.) Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
One fo every ten
feet of boat. You will need eight plus a V stand for the bow. Also you will have to chain the stands to each other. Port to starbord not bow to stern. The stands will only support about 20 percent of the boats actual. The keel is where most of the boats weight will rest. The stands really are for lateral support. Fair Winds Cap'n Dave
feet of boat. You will need eight plus a V stand for the bow. Also you will have to chain the stands to each other. Port to starbord not bow to stern. The stands will only support about 20 percent of the boats actual. The keel is where most of the boats weight will rest. The stands really are for lateral support. Fair Winds Cap'n Dave
Poppets - vs Jackstands
Rich, My marina winters dozens of sailboats and calls the supports ... jack stands. I will alert this 30 year old business to their error.
Rich, My marina winters dozens of sailboats and calls the supports ... jack stands. I will alert this 30 year old business to their error.
more than you have -- see link
Suggest reviewing Boat/US's web-site, I believe somewhere therein and/or within their 'Seaworthy' magazine they advised the minimum/proper number of 'things' to support your boat...
Suggest reviewing Boat/US's web-site, I believe somewhere therein and/or within their 'Seaworthy' magazine they advised the minimum/proper number of 'things' to support your boat...
poppets
I had to get new stands (poppets) for the "new" boat, an ODay 40, and the Brownell website listed a set for every eight feet. MY O28 came with a total of 5 and the 40 has four per side, plus the bow support. In over five years, the 28 hasn't shifted at all and our yard (dockiminium) prohibits cradles because of space limitations. It does get a little tight after everyone is out of the water. Bill Coxe, O28/40, New London, CT (28 for sale!)
I had to get new stands (poppets) for the "new" boat, an ODay 40, and the Brownell website listed a set for every eight feet. MY O28 came with a total of 5 and the 40 has four per side, plus the bow support. In over five years, the 28 hasn't shifted at all and our yard (dockiminium) prohibits cradles because of space limitations. It does get a little tight after everyone is out of the water. Bill Coxe, O28/40, New London, CT (28 for sale!)
cradle vs stands
I have a cradle, and realy like it instead of the stands. I think they are a lot steadier than stands I've been told that a boat should have an average of one for every 10 feet of boat, though various manufacturers recomend more (never less!) If I were to start out again, I'd still look for a cradle, and possibly mount it on a trailer to avoid summer storage fees. Ken.
I have a cradle, and realy like it instead of the stands. I think they are a lot steadier than stands I've been told that a boat should have an average of one for every 10 feet of boat, though various manufacturers recomend more (never less!) If I were to start out again, I'd still look for a cradle, and possibly mount it on a trailer to avoid summer storage fees. Ken.
Thanks to everyone that responded. I am guessing that 3-4 per side will do the trick. Let's hope for a quick winter!
Where are you blocking it?
I read a story about a marina on the Chesapeake's Eastern shore that had a bunch of boats on stands when hurricane Isabel hit. The tidal surge washed out underneath a lot of boat stands and left them lying on their sides. If the ground's soft, a major prolonged downpour could potentially do the same. If you're not on solid concrete, I'd recommend a half sheet of thick plywood under each stand.
I read a story about a marina on the Chesapeake's Eastern shore that had a bunch of boats on stands when hurricane Isabel hit. The tidal surge washed out underneath a lot of boat stands and left them lying on their sides. If the ground's soft, a major prolonged downpour could potentially do the same. If you're not on solid concrete, I'd recommend a half sheet of thick plywood under each stand.
Jack Stands
There is some good info re "Jackstands" in the latest edition of the BoatUS safety mag "Seaworthy." Here is an exerpt from their archives fyi: Jack Stands With jack stands, the stand should be perpendicular to the hull (see diagram) so it directs the boat's weight toward the ground. Misalignment of the stand will force it out as the load is applied. Even if the stand is aligned perfectly, safety chains must be used to prevent stands from slipping out from under the hull. Jack stands should be placed as far out from the boat as practical to support the boat in high winds, with at least three per side for boats over 26' and additional supports at overhangs. Plywood must be placed under each base to prevent its sinking into mud, sand or asphalt. Even when stands rest on clay that seems brick hard, they can be loosened by heavy spring rains, shift, and spill the boat. While jack stands must be placed properly to prevent the boat from falling over, most of the boat's weight usually rests on its keel. Some boats have specific requirements for support of the keel, but at least one manufacturer warns against putting weight on the keel. If the marina manager isn't familiar with your boat, check your manual or contact the manufacturer. Keels must be supported by wide timbers or blocks--the wider the better to distribute the load. On powerboats, additional support is usually recommended for inboard engines, fuel tanks, and heavy machinery. With outboard and outdrive boats, weight should be taken off the transom by lowering the drive units onto a block. After the boat is blocked, sight along the hull and keel to make sure the jack stands aren't depressing the hull. (You should also check in about two weeks, after it has settled.) The boat must also be level, or water could pool and cause stains, mildew, and/or gelcoat crazing. Finally, never secure the boat's winter cover to the jack stands or support blocks. There are many accounts in the claim files of boats that fell over after stiff winds filled the covers and yanked the supports from under the boats.
There is some good info re "Jackstands" in the latest edition of the BoatUS safety mag "Seaworthy." Here is an exerpt from their archives fyi: Jack Stands With jack stands, the stand should be perpendicular to the hull (see diagram) so it directs the boat's weight toward the ground. Misalignment of the stand will force it out as the load is applied. Even if the stand is aligned perfectly, safety chains must be used to prevent stands from slipping out from under the hull. Jack stands should be placed as far out from the boat as practical to support the boat in high winds, with at least three per side for boats over 26' and additional supports at overhangs. Plywood must be placed under each base to prevent its sinking into mud, sand or asphalt. Even when stands rest on clay that seems brick hard, they can be loosened by heavy spring rains, shift, and spill the boat. While jack stands must be placed properly to prevent the boat from falling over, most of the boat's weight usually rests on its keel. Some boats have specific requirements for support of the keel, but at least one manufacturer warns against putting weight on the keel. If the marina manager isn't familiar with your boat, check your manual or contact the manufacturer. Keels must be supported by wide timbers or blocks--the wider the better to distribute the load. On powerboats, additional support is usually recommended for inboard engines, fuel tanks, and heavy machinery. With outboard and outdrive boats, weight should be taken off the transom by lowering the drive units onto a block. After the boat is blocked, sight along the hull and keel to make sure the jack stands aren't depressing the hull. (You should also check in about two weeks, after it has settled.) The boat must also be level, or water could pool and cause stains, mildew, and/or gelcoat crazing. Finally, never secure the boat's winter cover to the jack stands or support blocks. There are many accounts in the claim files of boats that fell over after stiff winds filled the covers and yanked the supports from under the boats.
Regional lingo...
It hadn't occurred to me that "poppet" might be regional dialect, but if Maine has its own word for it, then you can bet they've been using that word forever, so there must be a regional component to it (like the sandwich we all know that every place has its own word for--sub, hoagie, hero, etc.). Interestingly, Jack is an old English word used as a generic for "guy" that also gets applied endearingly to inanimate objects (Jack stand, jacklines, lazy jacks, Jack Tars, "Jax", etc.) in a manner similar to "poppet". Sailing in English carries a lot of the past in its lingo...
It hadn't occurred to me that "poppet" might be regional dialect, but if Maine has its own word for it, then you can bet they've been using that word forever, so there must be a regional component to it (like the sandwich we all know that every place has its own word for--sub, hoagie, hero, etc.). Interestingly, Jack is an old English word used as a generic for "guy" that also gets applied endearingly to inanimate objects (Jack stand, jacklines, lazy jacks, Jack Tars, "Jax", etc.) in a manner similar to "poppet". Sailing in English carries a lot of the past in its lingo...
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