cinder blocks

[minuteman62-64]

Re: cinder blocks

Concrete blocks are not as fragile as some posts have indicated - if used sensibly. There's the rub. Since there is no reinforcement when they are used as support stands, if there is a problem, the failure will, as noted, be explosive (having worked as a grad student in an office just down the hall from the concrete testing lab, I know from first hand experience).

A concrete block, by it self, will easily support in excess of 25 tons - if
the cells are in the vertical position
the load is uniformly distributed over the top
the bottom is uniformly supported

Mess up on any of those and you are inviting a problem, with potentially spectacular results.

Once you start stacking the blocks the problem is compounded, since there is no lateral resistance. The techniques cited in the above posts will take care of this as long as you don't go too high.

Most of you guys on here seem to routinely deal with problems far more daunting and hazardous than using concrete blocks as supports in a safe manner.

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: cinder blocks

Blocks are brittle. I thought everyone knew that.

NO, that would be assuming common sense. That is not something our society has.

 

[Bayou Dave]

Re: cinder blocks

Update. My brother and I spent 2 1/2 hours and got the boat off the trailer. It could have been done quicker, but being my first time I was extra cautious. I am sure putting it back on the trailer will be a lot easier. Now I have to replace all 3 keel rollers and one bunk. I will also pull the wheels off and check the brakes and bearings. Need to grind off some rust and touch up the paint. Weather permitting I will wax the bottom.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: cinder blocks

Good job.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: cinder blocks

That looks pretty rickety to me. I do not like the wood blocks on the jackstands. If you push on the gunwale and she has any side to side movement, get your trailer work done fast and get her back on the trailer. Also, I would not get under that hull, while on those blocks. Wax her after she is on the trailer.

 

[MRS]

Re: cinder blocks

next time for the front use cribbing to set the keel on makes it real solid. Plus on the transom center I used a bottle jack.

 

[Bondo]

Re: cinder blocks

That looks pretty rickety to me. I do not like the wood blocks on the jackstands. If you push on the gunwale and she has any side to side movement, get your trailer work done fast and get her back on the trailer. Also, I would not get under that hull, while on those blocks. Wax her after she is on the trailer.

Ayuh,.... I agree, the jackstands are the weak point in that arrangement,...

Nothin' under 'em to keep 'em from sinkin' into the blacktop,.... Too tall/ much blockin' over 'em too,...

The big wood under 'em, 'n just the 2x, 'n the 4x over 'em would be better,...

'n a note on the keel blockin',...
If either of those stacks were turned 90? to the other,...
Stability would be Much, Much Higher,...

I couldn't believe it the day it was taught to me,....
A heavy load on 4 stacks of 3, 6x6s, with all the blockin' runnin' 1 way, was Wobbly,... Bad Wobbly,....
Scary Wobbly,...

We turned 1 stack of the 4 stacks, 90?, 'n it was as Solid as a fully double-blocked load,...

 

[Bayou Dave]

Re: cinder blocks

I agree that the jack stands are the weakest links. I first set up the starboard side on the jack stand, got the port side fairly tight and then put wedges in until there was zero movement of the hull. The front keel block has a V in for stability. But, I am not comfortable laying under it and plan on borrowing or renting some boat stands. This is a better view of the front blocks.

 

[sphelps]

Re: cinder blocks

If you had enough blocks to double stack and alternate them that would make it much safer .
I know everyone kinda pooped on the concrete blocks but I would rather use them set up correctly than what you have now . The blocks have a much wider foot print and would be more stable . 2 layers of 3/4" plywood on top of the blocks then use your wedge cut piece as a cradle ..
Just a thought ..

 

[bruceb58]

Re: cinder blocks

If you had enough blocks to double stack and alternate them that would make it much safer .

Or double blocks of wood alternating them would be even safer!

 

[tazrig]

Re: cinder blocks

But, I am not comfortable laying under it and plan on borrowing or renting some boat stands. This is a better view of the front blocks.

Glad to hear it! We don't want you ending up like this:

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: cinder blocks

Easier and safer to rent a dry or wet slip for a week.. fix the trailer and go get the boat.

 

[bowler]

Re: cinder blocks

Easier and safer to rent a dry or wet slip for a week.. fix the trailer and go get the boat.

Agreed. I had some trailer work a few years back. After starting to jack up the boat I got nervous. Put the boat in the water for the weekend instead. Obviously this only works of you have it as an option.

D.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: cinder blocks

One guy took the boat to an independent repair shop Saturday afternoon. They lifted the boat and he was back Monday at 8AM with repaired trailer. They dropped the boat and away he went. Charged $65. How much for blocks and wood?

 

[sphelps]

Re: cinder blocks

I think he was wanting to do some work on the hull so putting it in the water would not be an option . If I remember correctly..

 

[tazrig]

Re: cinder blocks

Agreed. I had some trailer work a few years back. After starting to jack up the boat I got nervous. Put the boat in the water for the weekend instead. Obviously this only works of you have it as an option.

D.

AND You remember to instal the drain plug(s):lol: Sorry I couldn't resist... :facepalm: