Boat Stands

Why Boat Stands Matter for Safe Storage and Maintenance

Boat stands — also known as poppets or jack stands — are essential marine support equipment used whenever a vessel is hauled out of the water. Boat stands provide critical lateral stability for the port and starboard sides of a hull during storage, winterization, and maintenance work. Whether you're performing bottom paint, hull repairs, or simply storing your boat through the off-season, using the right stands is a matter of safety — not just convenience.

The fundamental principle behind boat stand systems is straightforward: keel blocks or keel stands carry most of the vessel's weight, while the side stands balance and stabilize the hull. Most systems recommend placing a pair of stands every 8 to 10 feet along each side of the hull, always in matched pairs to distribute load evenly. Securing stands with safety chains passed athwartship under the keel is also a best practice, preventing the stands from sliding out — especially important in high winds or on soft ground.

Types of Boat Stands

• Motorboat / Powerboat Stands: Feature a four-legged, square base with a swivel top that tilts up to 25 degrees to accommodate the deadrise of deep-V and modified-V hulls. Deployed in pairs under the chines of powerboats.
• Sailboat Stands: Three-legged and built with the central shaft angled to match the steeper, narrower hulls of sailing vessels. Swivel tops typically adjust from flat up to 45 degrees for a secure fit.
• Keel Stands & Keel Blocks: Low-profile supports positioned under the keel, designed to carry the primary weight load. Often used in conjunction with wooden blocking for maximum bearing surface.
• Boat Dollies: Wheeled platforms that allow ground-level maneuvering of a supported hull — useful in yards, garages, and storage facilities.

What to Consider When Buying Boat Stands

Selecting the right boat stand comes down to several key factors. Start with your boat's draft, beam, weight, and hull type. Stands are available in a range of heights, so calculate your needed height by taking your draft in inches, adding your blocking pile height, and subtracting roughly six inches. Galvanized steel construction is strongly preferred for marine environments, as it resists the corrosion that painted finishes can develop over time. Always match your stand's rated working load to your vessel's actual weight — and never stack blocks on top of stands to gain extra height.

Top Brands in Boat Stands

When it comes to boat stands, Brownell Boat Stands is the undisputed category leader. Made in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, Brownell has spent over 60 years manufacturing adjustable steel boat stands trusted by professional boatyards and marina operators worldwide. Their motorboat stands feature a precision Acme-threaded solid steel center rod, swivel tops that adapt to hull shape, and both painted and hot-dipped galvanized finishes for long-term durability.

Attwood Marine brings over a century of marine industry experience to the boat stand category, offering practical support solutions like pontoon blocks engineered for corrosion resistance and reliable hull protection. C.E. Smith is a well-known name in trailer and marine support hardware, offering rugged products built to handle the demands of trailered boat ownership. A'Me (AME) rounds out the category with marine-grade accessories tested to USCG, ABYC, and CE safety standards.