Advice needed on trailering C16

[deisher6]

How is the mast rigged for trailering?  Especially what do you do with the spreaders?  Pictures would help.

When I brought the boat up from FL, I took all the running and standing rigging off.  I then secured the foot of the mast to the bowsprit, put a cushion over the hatch to support it, and secured the top of the mast to an 'X' shaped support that also corralled the tiller.

I was hoping for a clue in the manual that arrived today with new stays and etc from Hutchins, but rigging for trailering is not covered

My first C16 did not have spreaders and I just secured the stays to the mast.

I appreciate any advice.  It is about 120 miles to where I will be sailing.

regards charlie

[JBC]

Hi Charlie,

Noticed no one responded, so I'll give it a shot (sorry, no pics handy to show relating to this topic).  The supports you describe for the mast are similar to what I've got on my 16/2.  But I leave side stays attached both to the mast and to the tangs, starboard and port, and after unpinning the forestay and dropping the mast, I gather the stays as best I can and tie to the mast, including the forestay.  On my mast, the spreaders simply hang down somewhat together...droop might be a better word...on one side of the mast, and I bungee them lightly to keep them from flailing around too much.  They tend to drop to one side of the closed sliding cabin hatch, but barely touch, since my stern crutch is high enough to keep the mast above the hatch cover. 

I've driven over a thousand miles already this year with this boat, and no problems have emerged with this arrangement.  When the mast goes up, side stays are already attached and the spreaders easily spread into place.

Best, Jett

[deisher6]

Hey Jett:
Thank you very much for your response.

I understand that you support your mast at two points, the bottom of your mast around the bowsprit and with a crutch that is high enough so that the mast clears the hatch cover.  I could make one that does that.  I had secured the mast at three points...but you have been successful with two points, I will give it a shot.

Thanks for the advice on handling the stays and spreaders.

and Thanks again for your response.

regards charlie

[larrysimonis]

I just finished mine last night, using 1" PVC pipe. It's  basically an H-shaped frame that sits inside the transom with 2 short arms that go over and down the aft end. As it rises from the transom you will need 2 45deg elbows facing forward or it will extend too far aft as it rises.  I also use a simple bracket on the bow pulpit, and a center support by the tabernacle. In use, most of the weight is on the center support, so the transom crutch steadies it and keeps it from flexing. There is very little strain on any one part, it doesn't scratch the gelcoat, doesn't rust, weighs practically nothing, and is REALLY cheap. After going up a couple blind alleys, the 3 finished pieces probably cost $25 total. The center support just sits on the cabin roof with the legs protected by rubber furniture pads. The transom mount has 3 horizontal cross pieces for strength, and has zero flex.  Full disclosure: The one I just made is for a Soveriegn 17, and hooks over the stern rail. The boats are very similar, and the beauty of PVC is that you can dry-fit everything together before you commit yourself to glue. I'd post pix if I knew how, but I'll be happy to figure a parts list if you want.

[Greene]

We really liked the simple mast crutch that the PO had installed on our 16.  It went on easily and doubled as a light bar.  If it was made out of nice wood with a little varnish it would look pretty good as well.



The front end was just attached to the bow pulpit with a pad underneath.



A couple of stretch bands or even long gym socks were used to secure the rigging.

Mike

[deisher6]

Hey Mike: 
Thank you for your response and pictures.  Very nice looking boat.  I liked the planking and the motor mount on the trailer tongue all great ideas.  More so I admire your ability to post pictures!

Larry, thanks for your response also.  I would appreciate a picture you can email me one at deisher6@midrivers.com if you have the time.

Thank you for giving me some great ideas...this is a great blog.

regards charlie