Finally found my Horizon Cat - need some transport questions answered quick

[Dela329]

Hello All
After waiting for a while and making some,[/img] trades I finally got my Horizon Cat.  It's a 2003 and appears to be in pretty good shape.  Been sitting stored in a heated warehouse since 2012.  I know I'll have some work to do once it arrives at my place - which brings me to the point.  I need advice on transporting it 300 miles to it's new home in Door County WI - rudder up, down, or removed?
I've noticed images of new boats being transported without the rudder blade, which seems like the best method.  So, any experts out there who can describe the procedure to me so I can pass it along to the driver prior to transport?
Thanks in advance.  Looking forward to being a member!

[Tom L.]

I don't know exactly about the H-Cat but my Sun Cat had matching holes in the rudder and the rudder side plates that I could put a solid pin in position to lock it up/horizontal. The rudder blade also had a corresponding hole to lock in the down vertical position. I used S.S. ball lock quick pin. I have trailer the boat hundreds of miles with the rudder in place.
The other thing I did was add a  marker light to the tip of the blade to warn that it extends out beyond the boat. It is very easy to do. My marker light was a battery powered LED light that was very bright. The battery lasted for over a year as it was only turned on during trailing.

In your case it may be easier to have the blade removed. Not a difficult job.

Tom L.

[Tom L.]

One thing you have not mentioned, make sure the tires are not dry rotted. That is a long time to sit. Tires are relatively cheap on line and can be ordered with the tire mounted to the wheel. Have or do it yourself but re-pack the wheel bearings cheap insurance for a 300 mile trip.

Tom L.

[Dela329]

Great suggestion Tom L.  Thanks!

[oceanroadus]

Great looking boat congrats!  Like Tom says our Suncat came with a steel pin from factory to hold rudder up and there are no issues trailering it.  I imaging HCat is built similarly to handle the same. That said if we are going on a longer trip I shrink wrap a red plastic flag like you get at the hardware store or a red rag on there as insurance.  Those little hand rolls of shrink wrap are great for snugging up your sail cover, loose lines, etc. on a long haul it is worth it to save the flapping and wear and tear, have a great trip and enjoy the boat!   

[Tom L.]

As long as we are talking about the rudder and the pin to hold the rudder up as well as down. I wanted to let you know that it is crucial to keep the rudder blade vertical down all the way down. Any time it starts swinging up even the smallest amount you will experience a very heavy tiller. The rudder should be pined down.

We sail the Florida Gulf coast which is very shallow. So I used a 1/4" nylon bolt in place of the steel pin. If I ran aground it would sheer and pivot up. If you are in deep water use the metal pin.

It still takes a pretty good grounding to sheer the nylon pin. I recall one time coming out of Caladisie at low tide and we were dragging the rudder the board was up. I felt it and turned toward deeper water and the pin did not sheer. When I pulled out at the ramp and tried to pull the pin it was partially sheared but still help the rudder down.

BTW I forgot to offer my congrats on your H-Cat. A really great boat. I looked at your boat but it was a little far away.

All the Best and Good Luck

Tom L.

[Dela329]

I also pinged Gerry Hutchins to get his thoughts.  This was his advice

"I wouldn't transport with the rudder blade down.  If you transport with it up I suggest tying the lifting handle to the boat so that it will not vibrate loose and drop the blade.  The best is to remove the blade.  There should be a tension handle on one side of the rudder casting, loosen and remove the handle and drive the bolt out.  The blade comes off with the removal of that one bolt."

Given this info I think I'll request the seller remove the rudder blade for the trip. 

Tom L. - good tip on the nylon pin vs steel one.  But on this HC it has a handle designed to pull the rudder up while underway.  I guess to clear it of weeds in shallows?  So I'm not sure if you can lock this one in place.  I didn't make a good mental note when looking at it.  I'll know better next week once it arrives.

oceanroadus - I talked the shipper into stretch wrapping the sail and bimini for the trip.  I don't think those canvas zippers and snaps are rated for 70mph! 

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions