Support the boat with no keel

[Mackaroni]

I have to drop my keel to inspect it and possibly repair it on an O'Day 302. If I have to repair it, there is no way the boat can remain in the travel lift for the the time it takes to repair the keel.

What is the best way to support it? Currently, I have 8 stands and the boat is on the keel. Will those 8 stands be enough to support the boat without the keel and not cause any warping of the hull? I am not sure what else I can do.

 

[Joe]

The boat won't weigh much without the keel....but since you have concerns, why don't support the keel area with some heavy wood blocks... and shorten the height of the jack stands. Or see how low the stands will go and build up a crib below the keel area with wooden blocks or RR ties.

 

[jibes138]

Rest it on the keel stub on wooden blocks and use short stands, just like they prop up power boats. Shouldn't be a problem for the yard to figure out.

 

[31seahorse]

Thin hull? Much like our 272. The blocking suggestions sound good, but you would have removed stabilizing weight as well as the wing keel. I would be concerned about wind forces on the raised mast if that is its position now. Perhaps tie downs off of the four cleats to ground stakes or twist in rods. The boat will need to be in an out-of-the-way location to accomplish that anchoring.