Boat Stands, Lifts, Dollies & Racks at Fisheries Supply
Boat stands, jack stands, dollies, and storage racks support powerboats, sailboats, pontoons, and small watercraft during maintenance, seasonal storage, and yard transport. Fisheries Supply offers boat-support equipment, including genuine Brownell boat stands and accessories, for boat owners, repair shops, marinas, and boatyards.
Choosing Boat Stands by Hull Type
Boat jack stands stabilize the vessel against wind and tipping forces while centerline keel blocking bears the vast majority of the vessel's weight. Stand style and pad geometry must align precisely with hull angle, draft, and structural load points.
| Hull Type | Stand Requirements | Support and Selection Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Sailboat Stands | Keel blocking paired with angled sailboat stands featuring swivel tops and safety chain slots | A V-top bow stand supports fin-keel or bow-heavy hulls along the centerline, while swivel-top side stands adjust to match hull flare. Safety chains are mandatory across port-starboard pairs. |
| Powerboat Stands | Motorboat stands paired with heavy stern keel blocking beneath engine weight concentrations | Flat or pivoting padded tops align perpendicular (90°) to the hull. Powerboats with deep-V bow sections require angled sailboat stands (SB series) equipped with safety chains at the bow. |
| Pontoon Boat Stands | Multi-point support stands or specialized cross-member racks designed for aluminum pontoon tubes | Stand placement must support structural cross-members evenly without denting aluminum pontoon tubes or exceeding rated unit load limits. |
Typical Boat Stand Quantities
| Boat Type | Typical Minimum | Configuration & Spacing Guidelines |
|---|---|---|
| Powerboat (<30 ft) | 4 stands + 2 keel blocks | 2 pairs placed port/starboard as wide as practical; add an extra pair for every additional 8-10 feet of length or for unmasted storage in high-wind zones. |
| Sailboat (<30 ft) | 5 stands + 2 keel blocks | 4 swivel-top sailboat stands (chained port-to-starboard) plus 1 V-top bow stand on fin-keel models. Add pairs every 8-10 feet or if stored with mast stepped. |
Boat Dollies for Yard and Marina Transport
Boat dollies provide maneuverable, wheeled support for moving and positioning light craft and heavy equipment around shops, service bays, and storage yards. Common applications include:
- Small powerboats and skiffs
- Inflatable boats and RIBs
- Outboard motors (maintenance and storage stands)
- Personal watercraft (PWC)
How to Select the Right Boat Stand
| Selection Factor | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Weight Capacity & Safety Factors | Ensure total keel blocking supports 100% of boat displacement. Match stand working load limits (WLL) to lateral wind load conditions. |
| Adjustability & Thread Rods | Select Acme-threaded adjustment rods and greased screw jack assemblies that allow precise contact perpendicular (90°) to the hull angle. |
| Boat Type & Hull Geometry | Use specialized sailboat (angled) or motorboat (vertical) stands. Deep-V powerboat foredecks require angled sailboat stands at the bow. |
| Stand Top & Pad Assembly | Select marine plywood-faced steel pads, V-shaped bow tops, or swivel tops according to hull contour and centerline contact location. |
| Base Design & Footprint | Wide-base tripod or four-leg designs prevent tipping. Use on solid concrete, asphalt, or over 3/4-inch exterior plywood ground pads. |
| Safety Chains | Always connect port and starboard sailboat stand bases using 3/16-inch safety chain slotted into built-in base chain hooks under tension. |
What to Know About Safe Setup
Boat stands must be set up on firm, level ground. On unpaved, gravel, or soft asphalt surfaces, place 3/4-inch exterior or pressure-treated plywood pads under each leg to prevent settling. Position stands perpendicular to the hull surface and chain port/starboard pairs together across the centerline. The vessel's full weight must remain supported on wooden keel blocks or keel stands. Never tie tarps, shrinkwrap, or storage covers to boat stands, as wind loads can pull stands out from beneath the vessel.
For additional seasonal protection while your boat is stored ashore, consider covering it with properly secured marine tarps anchored independently of the storage stands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many boat stands does a powerboat need?
Most powerboats under 30 feet require a minimum of four boat stands (two pairs) along with at least two sets of centerline keel blocking. Add one pair of stands for every additional 8 to 10 feet of boat length. Deep-V powerboats require angled sailboat stands with safety chains at the bow section to match steep hull entry angles safely.
How many boat stands does a sailboat need?
A sailboat under 30 feet requires at least five stands: four swivel-top sailboat stands placed port and starboard, and one V-top stand positioned at the bow along the centerline. Heavy fin-keel or long-keel boats may require additional stands, and an extra pair should be added if the boat is stored with the mast stepped.
Can boat stands be used for long-term storage?
Yes, boat stands can be used for long-term seasonal storage provided they are set up correctly on stable ground, checked regularly for pad contact and screw tension, and linked with safety chains. Centerline wooden blocking must bear the boat's weight at all times. Storage covers and shrinkwrap must be tied down independently of the stands to prevent wind loads from pulling the stands out.
What type of boat stand is needed for a sailboat?
Sailboats require angled-tube sailboat stands (SB series) paired with solid centerline keel blocking. Sailboat stands feature pivoting pads that conform to hull flare and include safety chain slots at the base. A V-top bow stand is recommended beneath the foredeck to prevent forward pitching on fin-keel designs.
What should boat stands be placed on?
Boat stands must be set on firm, level surfaces such as concrete slabs or consolidated crushed stone. If setting up on soft ground, dirt, sand, or unreinforced asphalt, place minimum 3/4-inch thick exterior or pressure-treated plywood pads beneath each stand leg to distribute the point load and prevent ground penetration or settling.
What are boat dollies used for?
Boat dollies are heavy-duty wheeled frames used to move and position smaller powerboats, dinghies, inflatable craft, personal watercraft (PWCs), and outboard motors around workshops, marinas, and storage yards. They reduce manual lifting requirements and allow tight maneuvering in indoor service bays.