I dry stacked block first year I boiled. Worked fine.
To use the draw off valve you might want to provide support to slide the pan off the fire when you're ready to draw.
2019-2023 40 to 50 taps to get 8 to 10 gallons of syrup
2018 Built the sugar shack, produced 10.5 gallons (converted some to sugar,& cream). taps varied 45 to 50
2017 Built 2x4 arch for a divided pan, 8.5 gallons from 30 taps increased to 42 taps during season.
2016 Produced 3 gallons & 1 quart Syrup, Block arch & 3 buffet pans, 12 taps
2015 Thought about tapping