Keel support for winter storage

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Oaks81

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When storing a boat it is generally recommended to support the weight of the boat with blocks under the keel. However, my stands only have "pads" on the sides. The manufacturer of the stands claimed that the stands are sufficient for my boat size (about 900 kg). What's your opinion? Do I need keel support in the middle? If it is necessary, the easiest solution might be to replace the front one with a stand that supports the keel.

The instruction book of the boat only states that it must be supported in a way that the weight of the boat does not damage it.stands.jpgon-stands.jpg
 
I see those stands regularly on shop display boats so they can wheel them about. So I imagine they are good enough although a rough calculation would indicate >200 kg per pad which seems a bit high tbh. Subjectively, there is the fact the stand is not fixed and grounded, nor wide enough to support working on the boat while on them. Personally I'd leave them in the show room where they belong and look at alternatives and / or trailer
 
The wheels can be locked securely into place and it feels more sturdy on the stand than when it is on a trailer. I don't see that the boat could tip on the side. I have done maintenance in the boat while it was resting on the stand. Also, there is enough space to clean and wax the bottom.

I am mainly concerned about the amount of weight resting on the pads.
 
Your trailer will feel less stable if it's not supported with an engine stand or similar as it will be balanced for nose weight. The support of the boat however should be far and away superior. If those dollies are under the liftpoints of the boat and supported by ribs / bulkeahds then the weight should be fine. They are afterall what is used in the showroom environment. However I have never seen dollies used as winter stands and where you may convince yourself as to their suitability I am still wary.
 
Ok, thank you! I will try to find a better solution. I am planning to sell my boat next summer so I might not want to invest in a trailer.
 
You can buy softwood sleepers for pennies at your local builders. 15 quid a sleeper cut into thirds. 4 should do you with one of the 1/3's cut into 2 further wedge pieces to your dead rise angle
 
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