How many blocks????

tsquared1965

tsquared1965

New Member
Jun 7, 2010
76
New Jersey
Boat Info
1988 400db 3116 cats
Engines
3116 cats
My new toy should finally be here in a couple of days, Yeah!!
The hauler has said I will need 18 cinder block for him to get it off trailer. That seems like a lot of block. The boat will be on the blocks until next spring, does this seem right 18 block.
Tony
 
Did he ask for anything else? I wouldn't want the boat directly on Blocks use wood between hull and the blocks.

The number needed would be easier to determine if you told us more about the boat. 18 is excessive for a 16' bowrider, but may not be enough for a 46' cruiser.

Hope she arrives safe and sound!!! Post picts when she does.
 
Boats in Jersey are typically three point blocked,up to 28-30'. For each stack, they would go 4 blocks per layer, three layers high, with wood at the top. Considering that the blocks are about $1.50 each. . .18 is a good number to have on hand.

A 30DA is a bit big for three point blocking. My 280SS (NOT a 280DA: only about 7,000 lbs) is blocked at three points on the keel, with four jack stands on the sides. Blocked much better than any boat in my area. . .I don't worry about nor' easters blowing througnh.

I would recommend as a minimum blocking your boat at 2 points along the keel (make sure you are blocked at the strap lift points), and on the two back corners. Blocking at 3 points on the keel is not a bad idea. Again. . block at the strap lift points.

I strongly recommend using the Brownell stands http://www.boatstands.com/

I personally use cinder blocks for keel support, but many people recommend 8x8 wood blocks for keel support. Cinder blocks can freeze and crack. Wood does not do this. I am thinking to switch to wood year.

This is from the Brownell web site:

Wood Blocking: We always recommend a minimum of two blocking piles placed on hard, stable ground to carry the boat's weight. Each blocking pile consists of four blocks, i.e. 2 base blocks facing fore and aft running parallel to each other, and two blocks 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 two of our B-8 (8"x8"x22"/20cmx20cmx56cm) pine blocks for the base blocks and two more B-8 pine blocks placed across the base blocks. Higher or lower blocking piles can be used depending on how the boat drains.

- - - - -

No matter what blocking you use, I would place a 2' x 2' piece of plywood under the keel stacks and the boat stands. This helps distribute the weight on the ground and prevents settling of blocks/stand in the mud. Yes. . with four stands and three stacks of blocks, my boat has seven pads of plywood.
 
Don't use cinder blocks. Very bad idea. I have seen many collapse when not done correctly. And even some when it was done correctly. A good yard will not use them.... Make your own blocks out of wood.....
 
Im with Redhook. There is a thread (or two) on this site that shows what can happen with cinder blocks. Use wood for the keel and stands or a wood box crib for vertical support.
 
Thanks for the quick responses. For those who asked for the size of boat its the 30ft sundancer Thanks again I will post picts once its here
Tony T
 
It looks like it is blocked in your signature photo (by the previous owner maybe). Did you see how that was done?

Dave
 
This is what I did with mine.
I don't trust cinder blocks either so I made the 3 point 2 x 4 blocks and then made up some adjustable stands for added support. The adjustable part of those are actually adjustable legs from some old construction scaffolding. I made up some suitable tri-stands... it worked out well.

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Dave, The way they had it blocked at the marina didnt seem like it would be secure for a longer period of time. my time line is to have it ready for spring 2011.
 
John that looks great, are those just 2x4's I dont have the jack stands yet maybe at somepoint I can get them.
Tony
 
tsquared1965 said:
John that looks great, are those just 2x4's I dont have the jack stands yet maybe at somepoint I can get them.
Tony
Click to expand...

2x4's yes.
The hauler brought the boat to my place and left it on the 3 point wooden stands we banged together the night before. I made the side stands the next day. It didn't look proportionally sturdy enough to my liking. Aspecially since I was working / playing with the interior stuff too.
Pretty well all the weight is on the keel and rear chine / transom. The stands take a bit of weight but are there mainly for balance.
Too bad you're not closer... I'd say come and get 'em... they're just taking up space now that I'm not using them!
 
Its finally here!!! I am not thrilled with the block set up. The hauler only used a three point system. I will be adding more support asap. Thanks for all your advice
Tony
 
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