Is my boat on blocks/jacks setup corectly?

[lmannyr]

It's a 23' Aft cabin inboard, engine/drive is out.

The first picture is three point setup. Keel of bow, inside stringers at the stern. The stern keel jack is not holding any weight. Later I changed the bow jack for all wood (seemed more stable).

Second and third picture is a four point setup. It has the same stern setup as above. The bow is supported with what is seen. There is no keel support in this setup.

For some reason, the boat felt more stable with the 3 point setup. Why is this?

Will the boat warp or bow if it is stored like this for long term (1-2 years)?

Thanks

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Is my boat on blocks/jacks setup corectly?

On vees, we do the 3 point setup. On mod vees and true jons, we use the 4 point. It always seems to me that big boats, 3 points and so high, would be dangerous, but folks have been doing it for years.

 

[KnottyBuoyz]

Re: Is my boat on blocks/jacks setup corectly?

Looks a lil' wobbly to me lmannyr. A three point jack is good if you tie the two that are opposite of one another together. Have you got at least one 4x4 that'll go from one side to the other? Drive some screws in the blocks to fix them together.

Personally I wouldn't get underneath it like that. I'd bring it down lower to the ground so your pyramids of 4x4's are no higher than they are wide at the base. I think you can get long deck screws that'll go all the way through the 4x4's.

As long as you keep the water out of her or don't get a snow load on the boat it should be ok. Keep an eye on the keel line and if you see her sagging add some more supports.

 

[Nova II 260]

Re: Is my boat on blocks/jacks setup corectly?

Some one here just recently had pics of a home made "X" cradle that looked sturdy and stable.
Another cradle thread

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Is my boat on blocks/jacks setup corectly?

Definitely make it lower. We have boats on foam blocks all the time, but they are 1 foot by 1 foot by 2 foot blocks, laying on a side, so it is never higher than 1 foot. Yes, all our boats have been less than 2000 pounds, but you get the picture. Bring it to where the keel is almost on the ground, with maybe 1, or 2 layers of 4 by 4 under it. But, you should keep the 3 point, and you could even put some where you had it when you made it a 4 point, thereby making a 5 point, which has the better idea of the 3 point, but with a lil' added security.

 

[drewpster]

Re: Is my boat on blocks/jacks setup corectly?

I think it would be a good idea to put something under the stands since you are on grass. I can get away with my setup because of the surface. My stands have never moved. The weight of the boat is resting on the keel and at the outer corners of the transom. Every v-bottom I looked at prior to deciding to do it this way was supported this way. The jacks set amidships carry no weight They are there to keep the the boat from tipping forward at the forward corners. (and to calm my nerves) The boat has never moved and I have seen no warping or changes in the keel.
The rudder, prop shaft and strut are coming off this weekend. I will be lowering the boat closer to the ground. Not necessarily to make it safer, but to make it easier to start the bottom work and remove the engine. It will sit the same way it is now, just a little lower.

I have set cars in grass before. The biggest problem I had was the surface getting soft in the rain and the stands sinking. I would find plywood to put under your stands. I think you you will be surprised at the difference it makes in stability on dirt.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Is my boat on blocks/jacks setup corectly?

That is what I meant about a 5 point. basically the 3 point with added security.

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Is my boat on blocks/jacks setup corectly?

I put it back to a 3 point last night after I got the "wobely" reply and a "your not working on that thing like that" from the wife. She helped ensure the everything was centered, made sure she was on standby for 911 . Every thing looks good now.

I got the ok to continue to work on it now. Thanks to everyone here!!! I'll post final pics soon. Need more wood for the extra 2 points up front for my nerves too.

Now I can work on the trailer, and sanding the bottom paint off while the glass cures inside.

Thanks again!!