Brownell Boat Stands

Why Brownell Boat Stands Are the Gold Standard in Boat Storage

When it comes to safely storing and supporting your vessel out of the water, few names carry more authority than Brownell Boat Stands. Founded in 1954 by David “Fred” Brownell in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, the company has spent over six decades setting the benchmark for quality and safety in the boat stands category. With more than two million stands in use around the world, Brownell is the preferred choice of professional boatyards, marinas, and serious boat owners alike.

American-Made Construction You Can Trust

What sets Brownell apart starts with the materials and craftsmanship behind every stand. All Brownell boat stands are 100% American-made using quality American tubular steel — a key distinction in a market where competing products often rely on imported steel of inconsistent quality. Handles and adjustment nuts are crafted from solid steel rather than fragile castings, and every stand is either dipped in paint or hot-dip galvanized to deliver superior rust protection from the inside out.

The flagship motorboat and sailboat stand lines feature a precision-cut Acme threaded solid steel center rod that allows for smooth, reliable height adjustment — even under load. The top swivels up to 25 degrees, accommodating the wide variety of hull shapes found on modern powerboats and sailboats. When the season is over and the stands aren't needed, their stackable and nesting design — an innovation introduced by Fred Brownell himself — keeps storage footprints to a minimum.

Independently Tested. Certified Safe.

Brownell boat stands have been independently tested and certified to a safe working load of 20,000 lbs. (9,100 kg). This isn't just a manufacturer's claim — it's a verified standard that gives boatyard operators and individual owners real confidence when supporting everything from a weekend runabout to a large cruiser. In over 60 years of production, a Brownell stand has never failed in service.

Keel Stands, Dollies, and a Complete Storage System

Beyond the core boat stand lineup, Brownell offers a full ecosystem of support products. Keel stands and keel benches provide a fast, labor-saving alternative to traditional wooden blocking — adjustable by design, so shims are never needed, and built from the same American tubular steel to last for years without deterioration. Brownell also manufactures boat dollies in two sizes for moving vessels on land, with Acme threaded adjustments, non-marking wheels, and integrated brakes for controlled maneuvering.

For those new to shoring or boatyard operations, Brownell's Safety Training Program teaches proper techniques for blocking, supporting, and storing all vessel types — an industry-unique resource that reflects the brand's commitment to safety beyond just the hardware itself.

The Right Stand for Every Vessel

With 20 products across the Brownell boat stands range, there is a solution sized for virtually every hull. Proper stand selection depends on the vessel's length, beam, draft, and displacement — key measurements that factor into how many stands are needed and at what intervals along the hull. Brownell recommends placing stands every 8 to 10 feet along each side of the boat, with the bulk of the vessel's weight resting on its keel via keel stands or blocks.