How to Choose
Type: The correct
type of boat stand (sailboat vs. motorboat) is determined by
the angle between the hull and the stands center pipe. The
threaded rod from the top that enters the stands center pipe
should do so at approximately a 90° angle to the boats hull.
For example, a motor boat with a deep “v”-bow would use a pair
of sailboat stands at the bow, with motor boat stands at the
stern.
Size:
To determine the proper Brownell Boat Stands to use, you first
must realize the boat stands are to stabilize your boat and
the keel blocking supports the boats weight. A simple method
would be to take the draft of the boat (in inches), add the
height of the blocking pile, and subtract about six inches.
Base your decision on keeping a minimum amount of thread
exposed on the top.
Number Required: A minimum of four boat stands should be
used with powerboats and a minimum of five boat stands should
be used with sailboats. One exception: a full keel sailboat
may not require a bow stand. Use a pair of boat stands, one
placed port and one placed starboard, for approximately each 8
feet of the boat's length. If you are going to be stored in an
extremely windy area or leaving a sailboat mast stepped, extra
boat stands should be used in addition to our minimum
requirements.
Liability: Because the performance and safety of boat
stands is dependent on the way they are used, the manufacturer
assumes no liability beyond the purchase price of the boat
stands.
How to Use
Port/Starboard Sides: When ready to use Brownell Boat
Stands you must choose an area to store the boat that offers
hard, stable ground to prevent the sinking of keel blocking
and boat stands. Boat stands should be placed outboard on the
hull for stability. The boat stand tops should have minimum
thread exposed with the threaded rod placed as close to
perpendicular as possible to the hull. To guarantee the
threaded rod being close to perpendicular, the boat stand base
rear legs are placed so they are parallel with the waterline.
The boat stand is placed square to the hull (not twisted fore
or aft) with the boat stand top on the flat of the hull for
stability.
Bow
and/or Stern: Most sailboats require a bow stand with a
“v” top to prevent the bow from dropping forward. The
exception to the rule might be a full keel sailboat that is
not "bow heavy". Any excessive overhang in the stern requires
two additional boat stands port and starboard on the after
portion of the boat.
Safety Chains:
When using safety chain for sailboat stands, the port (or
starboard whichever comes first) boat stand is placed in
position with the boat stand top snug against the hull. A
3/16" chain is placed in the safety chain notch of this boat
stand and the chain is passed athwartship before, after or
under the keel to the starboard, or opposite boat stand chain
notch.
The
starboard boat stand is placed in its approximate position but
not snugged tight against the hull at-first; the chain is
pulled tight and placed in the starboard Boat stand chain
notch. Once snug in the chain notch, pull the starboard boat
stand outboard until the chain is snug. Tighten the boat stand
top, making sure the rear legs of both boat stands are
parallel to the hull. Use safety chains and repeat this
procedure for all side sailboat stands to prevent the boat
stands from sliding up a boat's hull.
Keel
Blocking: We always recommend a minimum of 2 blocking
piles placed on hard, stable ground to carry the boat's
weight. Each blocking pile consists of 3 blocks, i.e. two base
blocks facing fore and aft running parallel to each other, and
one block placed across the two base blocks for the keel to
rest on. This method has proven to reduce sinking of the
blocks. For each blocking pile we suggest 2 of our B-8
(8"x8"x22") pine blocks for the base blocks and 1 of our B-6
(6"x6"x22") pine blocks placed across the base blocks. Higher
or lower blocking piles can be used depending on how the boat
drains, however, the lower to the ground, the better. More
blocking piles should be added as necessary depending on the
condition and length of the keel
Maintenance: Boat stands and blocks should be checked on a
regular basis while your boat is being stored. Make sure the
boat stands are snug against the hull and the keel blocks are
supporting the keel and not sinking into the ground. Also
check the blocks for rotting or splitting. Do not tie tarps to
the Boat Stands. During windy conditions, check more
frequently for proper boat shoring and security of our boat
stands while they are stabilizing your boat. When not in use,
we recommend lubricating the threaded rod section of our Tops
(WD40 or axle grease may be used) and storing in a cool dry
place. Our nestable and stackable boat stand bases should be
kept painted with rust preventative paint. Moisture and salt
creep up from the ground and corrosion may start from the boat
stand base bottom up. Replace any badly rusted boat stands or
rotted blocks, safety is jeopardized.
