Laying up the boat ashore: stands, props, cradle and trailer

The basic rule

The boat should stand level and rest its full weight on the keel or the stands. The props only keep it upright. The boat must not hang in the props or the cradle.

• Never put the boat directly on the ground. Use heavy timber or boat stands made of sturdy wood or steel.
• Ground goes soft from rain and snowmelt. Put sheets of thick plywood under stands and props if the ground is soft.
• If your boat is at the edge of the storage area, it takes the most wind. Take extra care there.

Motorboat on stands

• A V-hull boat is supported in three places: at the bow, at the stern and in between.
• The aftmost stand should be as long as the boat is wide and sit under the transom.
• Put blocking under the engine.
• Support the bow sideways. Boats with a big engine have little weight in the bow and catch a lot of wind there.
• If the hull is longer than 7.5 metres, you need two stands on each side.
• The weight distribution changes a lot when you remove an outboard.

Sailboat on stands

• The keel should rest on the blocking and carry the weight.
• Karlsuddsviken Boat Club recommends 6 props for boats up to 9 metres and 6 to 8 props for boats between 9 and 12 metres.
• The props should be as close to 90 degrees to the hull as possible, on firm ground.
• Loose props should be linked with chain or straps, both across and along the boat. Retighten the chain.
• Modern boats with a flat bottom aft of the keel need extra props at the stern.

Cradle

A wooden or steel cradle is the safest option. Its footprint should be at least as wide as the boat's waterline beam. The stands should be firmly braced to the frame, and the pads against the hull should be large enough to spread the load. Ideally place them in line with the bulkheads.

Before the lift

• Grease the threads so the props are easy to adjust.
• Extend the props so there is at least 10 cm between hull and prop when the boat is lowered. That way they don't take the load.
• Mark stands, props and cradle with your name and phone number.

What you should not have: props with rusty threads, wooden blocks between hull and prop, unsecured props, and clamps instead of a through bolt.

Boat on a trailer

• The trailer must be rated for the boat's weight. This is in the registration certificate.
• Supports and bunks must not point-load the hull.
• Block up the trailer to take the load off the tyres. It also makes it harder to steal. Lock it with an approved trailer lock.
• Park it level, not under a roof or tree where snow can slide off.

Covering and checks

Do not tie the cover to the cradle or stands. The wind can shift them, and a boat that tips over can take the neighbours' boats with it. Check the boat after storms and when the ground thaws in spring. Read more in covering the boat for winter.

Frequently asked questions