The solution for storing and maintaining your boats

To properly stabilise a boat out of the water for winter layup or for repairs and maintenance, you must distribute the main weight correctly and use side supports only to prevent tipping.

Poor cradling can deform the hull or cause a serious fall. Check the cradling regularly before any work nearby. Watch out for theft and vandalism on your cradling parts and fixed or adjustable cradles. It is important to get help from a professional for handling, cradling and balancing loads on the supports.

Here are the basic rules to follow when cradling a boat with or without a keel:

1. The fundamental rule

• The keel must support 80% to 90% of the boat's weight.
• Use only thick hardwood blocks under the keel.
• Place at least four cradling points below the waterline, on a perfectly flat and firm ground.

2. Side stabilisation for perfect balance

• The side supports, the adjustable cradles, are only there to keep the boat upright. They must not bear the weight of the vessel.
• Place the support pads at the strongest structural areas of the hull.
• Never place the pads in the middle of an empty fibreglass panel, as this could dent the hull.
• Connect opposite cradles to each other with chains or straps under the keel, to stop them spreading apart with wind or vibration.

3. Safety and preparation rules

• Lighten the boat and avoid liquid movement that could shift the centre of gravity.
• Place thick wooden planks under the feet to stop them sinking in.
• In strong wind, the boat must be guyed and ballasted.

Here are the basic rules to follow when cradling a motor boat:

1. Weight distribution along the central axis

• The central axis of the boat must be supported by stable hardwood blocks.
• Place the main cradling point under the rear of the hull, just below the transom. Another block must support the bow.

2. Side stabilisation

• To stabilise the sides, use adjustable cradles.
• Place the cradle pads on the hull between the bottom and the side. Raised lines are the most rigid areas.
• Never press the supports right in the middle of flat hull surfaces, as this would dent the fibreglass.

3. Managing engine weight

• Simply make sure the propeller does not touch the ground (leave a safety margin).
• If the engine is extremely heavy, you can fit a wooden support under the bottom of the engine to relieve the boat's structure.