| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Rexkellett |
Posted - 25 Mar 2009 : 23:29:27
Hi I have never towed my boat before and have just got a road base. I am looking for tips and advice on how to load the mast on the trailer. (I have a high lift mast support for the front). How do you recommend the mast is secured to the hull at the back and is a single strap over the hull to the road base sufficient?
Any advice will be gratefully received.
Thanks
Rex |
| 5 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Sayling |
Posted - 31 Mar 2009 : 23:15:20
I would second Neil's advice about securing the cables and fittings from the mast head. The first time I towed my Stratos (the day I bought it from the previous owner at Rutland Water SC) I got home to find the split ring for the jib swivel fitting had come off. The clevis pin was easy enough to replace, but the plastic insert wasn't and I ended up having to ask RWO to supply a replacement (they kindly supplied the whole fitting for free, in fact.) Just imagine a gale blowing down the length of the boat, and secure everything so it doesn't flap or fly away.
I also found I had been towing the boat with at least a couple of gallons of water in the tank - make sure it's empty by undoing the stern bung and lifting up the bow!
If you are towing any distance, make sure the straps are padded as they come over the gunwale so they don't chafe.
The Laser 2K Class Association website has some towing tips in the technical section, including a description of a spreader bar which takes the load from the strap, and also serves as a boom rest (another cradle is required on the lighting board.)
Sayling
sail no. 568 - 'Ketchup' @ FGSC |
| bubble |
Posted - 28 Mar 2009 : 08:07:16
hi
I use a crutch, its the only way to be sure .
go on eBay and buy a ratchet strap, I bought a 50 mm wide, not for the weight rating [5tonnes] but to make it wider. on my west mersea trailer there are two anchor points near to the wheels. shorten it [the strap not the trailer  ] with a stanley knife and burn the end on a gas hob
I use 6 elastic hooked clips to secure the mast and electricians tape round the the mast / cables /rope.
I put the rudder and center board in old clothes to stop them rubbing, fleece sleeves work best for me!
on the end of the mast I attach a cycle led flashing light, I have used a dayglo flag in the past
service/replace your wheel bearings, mine were shot and let me down 5 miles after I bought it, so much for the seller saying 'yeah..... the trailers fine' 
don't be the guy on motorway wondering who's going to fix a trailer
6pm on a Saturday miles from home.
which reminds me, I should grease the trailer after winter
have fun and hope to see you at the national.
Neill, Cambridge 622
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| pcarter |
Posted - 27 Mar 2009 : 20:52:05
We just use one strongish ratchet strap running from one side of the trailer near the wheel over the boat to the other wheel to stop it bouncing off the trolley/trailer. The winch and the painter are used to secure the boat to the trailer at the front.
Pete 789 |
| Rexkellett |
Posted - 27 Mar 2009 : 10:55:38
Thanks Pete
Had heard of a mast crutch but wasnt sure what it did. That sounds a nice easy way to sort the mast and the light board. Thanks.
How many straps do you put over the hull?
Rex |
| Pete1 |
Posted - 26 Mar 2009 : 12:09:46
The best way is to get a mast crutch which fits where the rudder goes. The laser site has this one which I got when I bought my boat: http://www.lasersailing.com/shop/uks/product/253
You can mount the lighting board on it. It's also adjustable to fit other boats by moving the position of the pintels or removing them. Fits my RS500. I expect you can get one cheaper from a chandler rather than laser.
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