Putting A Boat On Stands: A Step-By-Step Guide

Putting a boat on stands is a complex process that requires careful execution to avoid damage to the boat or injury to oneself. The first step is to block the boat on a hard, level surface, using wooden blocks to prevent the boat from rolling forward and plywood to protect the surface from the stands. Next, all strapping and tie-downs connecting the boat to the trailer must be removed. Then, a hydraulic jack is placed under the centre of the transom to lift the boat, with wood protecting the hull. Boat stands are placed on the port and starboard sides, and the hydraulic jack is released, allowing the weight of the boat to rest on the wooden blocks. This process is repeated for the front of the boat, with the addition of tapping the bottom of the hull to identify support or bulkhead locations, which are then marked with masking tape to indicate safe blocking areas. With the boat now supported by blocks and stands, the trailer can be carefully pulled out, taking care not to knock out the hydraulic jacks. Once the trailer is removed, additional blocking and stands can be added as needed.

Use jack stands and wood blocking to lift the boat

Using jack stands and wood blocking to lift your boat is a safe and effective method. Firstly, ensure you have a set of jack stands, wood blocking (10x10 or 12x12), and a heavy-duty floor jack.

Begin by lowering the trailer jack as far as it will go. Place jack stands under the transom, or rear of the boat, and adjust them until the transom is slightly raised above the trailer. This initial lift will allow you to place wood blocking under the keel, which is the central beam of the boat's hull.

Next, you will need to repeat the process at the front of the boat. Place jack stands inside the trailer framing, towards the bow, and use the floor jack to lift the boat enough to place wood blocking under the keel. Ensure the weight of the boat is supported by the blocking, not the jack stands. The jack stands are only there to keep the boat stable and prevent it from falling over.

Now, you can start to pull the trailer out from under the boat. Pull it forward until the front jack stands prevent further movement, then move them and repeat the process until the entire trailer is clear. Remember to block and support the boat as you go, and always ensure the boat's weight is supported by the blocking.

Finally, adjust the jack stands and blocking as needed to ensure the boat is level and secure.

Outline safe areas for blocking with masking tape

When blocking up a boat, do not use a three-point blocking stance. For an 18-foot boat, you should have two main blocks under the boat and two boat stands on the port and starboard sides for a total of six contact points. Bigger boats, over 25 feet in length, require more blocks and boat stands, with contact points needed every six feet.

To outline safe areas for blocking with masking tape, get a small hammer and gently tap the length of the bottom of the hull, listening to the different sounds. You’ll hear a high-pitched sound in the hollow areas, and a dull sound when a support or bulkhead is present. Use the masking tape to outline where the supports are. These areas are where the hydraulic jack will be placed to lift the boat up because supported areas are stronger than non-supported areas.

In one source's photo, the hull has been outlined with green and blue tape. The green areas are safe for blocking, while the blue area is dangerous because there is a good chance the blocking will go through the hull. The blue tape is on the front section of the hull, which has a sharp angle, so blocking is not suitable here. You want the wood blocking on flat, level surfaces of the hull.

Avoid using cinder blocks

When blocking a boat, it is important to avoid using cinder blocks. Cinder blocks are not suitable for carrying a boat's weight and can break, potentially causing damage to the boat or injury to those nearby. Concrete blocks are a better alternative when it comes to supporting a boat's weight, as they are denser and stronger than cinder blocks.

In addition to using concrete blocks, it is crucial to use proper boat stands, also known as jack stands or poppet stands. These stands should be placed where bulkheads reinforce the hull, and the number of stands used depends on the length of the boat. For boats 30 feet or under, four jack stands are recommended, while boats 45 feet or under should have six stands.

When blocking a boat, it is also important to ensure that the ground is level and relatively solid. Placing the boat on a slope or loose ground can be unsafe. Additionally, using wooden bases such as plywood can help spread the load from jack stands and prevent them from sinking or moving.

It is also worth noting that some people choose to use wood blocks or stands instead of concrete blocks, as they are lighter and easier to move around. This is a common practice in marinas and boat yards.

Overall, while blocking a boat may seem straightforward, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of both the boat and those working on it. Using the correct materials, such as concrete blocks and proper boat stands, and following the manufacturer's instructions, can help ensure a safe and successful blocking process.

Position the boat on a hard, level surface

Positioning the boat on a hard, level surface is the first step in taking your boat off a trailer and placing it on stands. This process is necessary if you want to paint the bottom of your boat or make repairs. It is important to do this on a hard, level surface to ensure that the boat is stable and secure during the process.

If you are blocking up your boat on an asphalt driveway, it is recommended to put down plywood first. This is because the stands will dig into the asphalt when the temperature outside rises, and the plywood will prevent this. Cut 5/8" plywood into 2' x 2' sections and place the stands on top.

Before you begin, it is also important to ensure that you have the right tools and equipment. This includes boat stands, which can be purchased new or used, and wooden blocking. The blocking should be 12" x 12" pressure-treated wood. If you cannot find blocking of this size, you can glue four pieces of 6" x 6" pressure-treated wood together and nail 12" x 12" x 5/8" plywood to the ends to create a larger unit and keep them square and locked in place.

In addition to the stands and blocking, you will also need a small hydraulic jack and a piece of wood to protect the hull of the boat during the process. It is also recommended to have an extra person to help you and watch the jack while you are working.

Now that you have positioned your boat on a hard, level surface and gathered the necessary tools and equipment, you are ready to begin the process of taking the boat off the trailer and placing it on stands. Remember to work carefully and slowly, as this task involves potential safety risks.

Use a hydraulic jack to lift the boat

To put a boat on stands, you will need to lift the boat off the trailer. This can be done using a hydraulic jack, and the process should be done carefully and with assistance.

Firstly, ensure you have chosen a hard, level surface to block the boat on. If blocking on an asphalt driveway, place plywood down first to prevent the stands from digging into the asphalt. Place wooden blocks in front of the tires to prevent the boat from moving forward when you begin to lift it.

Remove all boat-covering straps connected to the trailer, as well as the front tie-down by the bow eye hook and the rear tie-downs on the transom.

Next, place a small hydraulic jack with a piece of wood to protect the hull, below the centre of the transom. Jack up the boat until you see a space on the bunk carpet support runners. Place boat stands on the port and starboard sides and snug them up. Release the hydraulic jack and put wooden blocks in place, then lower the stands until the boat's weight is on the blocks.

Now, go to the front of the boat and gently tap the bottom of the hull with a small hammer, listening for different sounds. Outline the supports with masking tape—these areas are stronger and safer for placing the hydraulic jack.

Place the hydraulic jack in the centre of the hull, using a piece of wood to protect the hull. Jack up the boat until you see it lift above the bunk carpet runners towards the front. Now, the trailer can be slowly pulled out.

Get a second hydraulic jack and place it behind the crossmember, jacking up the boat until the front jack can be removed. Continue this process, pulling the trailer out until you reach the axle, then placing the second jack behind the axle before removing the first. Take your time and be cautious, as the farther you pull out the trailer, the more dangerous the job becomes.

Finally, place the boat stands on either side of the boat as far forward as possible and snug them up. Place temporary blocking under the boat near the rear crossmember of the trailer, lower and remove the hydraulic jack, and slide out the trailer. Now, the boat should be sitting securely on the blocks and boat stands.

Frequently asked questions