How to Store a Sailboat on Dry Land With Wood Blocks
Storing a sailboat for the winter extends its life and allows maintenance on the hull and other parts of the vessel. Blocking a boat is one of the most traditional means of keeping a boat on dry land during the winter months. Wood is the most preferred means of doing this, however, with advances in new technology, the stability of the boat on the blocks is enhanced by boat stands.
Things You'll Need
- Tire blocks
- Wooden mallet
- Colored tape
- String
- Measuring tape
- 2 hydraulic jacks
- 3 to 10 10-foot-square keel blocks
- 4 to 6 boat stands
- Large tarp
Instructions
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1
Place the trailer in the boat storage area. Block the tires with small wooden blocks for safety and to prevent the trailer from moving. Remove all the ties keeping the boat attached to the trailer.
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2
Tap all over the hull to see where the weak and strong parts are in the hull -- strong parts of the hull sound dull. Place pieces of colored tape over these areas to mark them.
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3
Lift the front of the boat, also called the bow, using the hydraulic jack placed on marked, strong parts of the hull. Stack wood blocks on the ground running up underneath the keel in the front, high enough to keep it off the trailer.
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4
Place two boat stands, one on either side of the hull at the bow on the outside of the trailer, to stabilize the upright nature of the boat.
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5
Jack up the back of the boat, the stern, using the other hydraulic jack. Place wood blocks underneath the keel, matching them in height to the front. Place blocks every 10 feet under the keel, however, even with small 10-foot sailboats, use three blocks. Ensure the blocks are level with each other. You can run a string along the tops and measure with a tape.
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6
Stabilize the back of the boat using the boat stands, one on either side. If required, place a boat stand on either side of the middle of the boat as well. Unblock the wheels of the trailer and remove it from underneath the boat.
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7
Remove the jacks from the boat and ensure that it is stable and sitting well on the blocks. Cover it with the tarp for full storage.
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Tips & Warnings
Creating a blocking plan before storing the sailboat is a good idea to know how many blocks are needed and where they go. Use tape as a placement guide.
Preferably, the boat is stored on a flat surface that will not sink. If placing the boat outside on ground, place plywood sheets in the area where the boat will sit.
Be careful when handling hydraulic equipment and large objects such as a boat -- move slowly and have another individual help you if required.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
