Winter layup, jackstands versus cradles

[William Niessen]

I am in the process of purchasing a 37 legend and since the PO does not own jack stands or a cradle, I feel compelled to buy either to have with the boat. My last boat had a full cradle and this seems the best way to go. I contacted Hunter and they can not help with plans or hull dimensions to use to have a cradle made. Can anyone on this list help with information on how to get drawings for a cradle? Also, I would be very interested in hearing comments regarding pro's/cons, jackstand versus cradles. I have found a place to buy the jack stands but they can't tell me what height I will need. (they have 4' and under and 4' and over) With a draft of 4'9", does anyone know which height would be correct? WFNiessen@aol

 

[Dave Johndrow]

Just wondering?

Do you store you boat at your home or some place other than a marina? I know some clubs allow you to store on the property but provide no assistance with that, is that the case? In my case the marina I winter store at provides the jackstands as part of the winter contract. Just curious. BTW Cradles, properly built is the best way to go. Jack stands if positioned wrong can oil can a hull. With cradles storage can be an issue and expense depending on your situation. Unless you can buy a factory shipping cradle for your boat your probably stuck with stands.

 

[Colin]

Hate jack stands.

Jack stands just look too flimsy for my liking.If you can work out a way to get a cradle, you can have the stern portion shaped to suit your boat and that will really spread the load and minimize the risk of damaging you hull. Once it is set up, you wont have to adjust it again, just lower the boat onto it and you are done.

 

[William Niessen]

Jackstands/cradles

I previously had an Ericson 32 that came with a cradle, which I kept at the boatyard all year around. The hunter 37 does not come with either and I'm trying to find out how I can get information or drawings for a cradle because I would prefer that to jackstands.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Cradle for H37.

Can you locate one in your marina for ideas? In our area there are people who make cradles to fit any boat. They use cardboard to make a template at each end, where the sling arrows are marked on the hull. If you do not know where the sling straps should go you could look for another H37 in a cradle. The person making the cradle would also know.Then they use that template to cut 3/4" plywood, usually two thicknesses but I like three. Then they weld up some 4 and 6 inch channel iron and bolt on the supports. A little carpet and you are done.Or you could purchase an adjustable model. See the Related Link below.

 

[nick maggio]

gear for sale

Some times cradles are for sale on gear for sale forum.

 

[fred miller]

Stands for Me

A cradle is certainly ideal; but jackstands if used properly with chains and placed on solid gound seemed to work just as well for me. Here on the east coast jackstands out number cradle use I think at least 3 or 4 to one. There is one very big advantage with jack stands . . . If you move your boat to some other yard for storage it is a lot easier to throw 6-7 jackstands in the back of a U Haul than move a 1500 pound cradle.Fred Miller S/V M Squared