CP16- How do you carry your mast?

[Defiant]

I'm considering an unusual carry method for my CP16 mast and boom. Typically you carry a CP16 mast and boom on the cabin top supported at one end by the bow pilpit and further aft by a boom crutch or gallows. Sometimes the Mast is set on the cabin top or even along the deck.

Since I have a pilothouse I'm considering carrying the mast along the trailer low down, inside the bunks supported along the trailer ribbing by foam kayak supports. The mast fits perfectly from about the trailer jack aft to just shy of the rudder. It's out of the way and supported at four points along its span. Easy to lash down and easy to unlimber.


Has by one tried this?  Putting the boom on the pilothouse means I need a monster boom crutch aft and another on the bow. It raises the height of the boat for storage by another 6" at least and puts weight on the cabin house not to mention it needs equal support at the ends.

[Bob23]

Sounds like a perfect idea. Keep it simple.
Bob23

[Cats Paw]

Carrying the mast down low can allow for general road contaminants  {Oil, Tar, Spillages,etc} to adhere to the components and especially do harm to the halyards.   I would consider a simple cover to be put in place while on the road.

[tmw]

I normally leave my side-stays connected to the mast when it's down, which wouldn't be possible with it down low on the trailer.  However, if you are taking everything off, then why not, and let us know how it works after a few runs.

[Tim Gardner]

I would transport over the road with the boom on top.  If you need the clearance, put it on the side deck with a 2x4 support across the bow and stern after reaching your destination, ie, garage.
$.02

[Defiant]

 Can't see the logic in that. Test run indicates that the mast is supported much better down low and more stable. Stays and rigging fit perfectly on the mast and don't flop around. Low down is the way to go for me.

[Citroen/Dave]

I've seen pictures of the CP16 mast and boom separately placed in PVC tubes with permanent caps on the forward ends.  The tubes were permanently mounted under the boat on the trailer.  This method will evenly support the spars and protect from road hazards.

[Tim Gardner]

Hey, just know how much stuff collects on my trailer over the road.  One would have to properly support the  mast for any trailering.  My boom goes in the cabin, the mast on bow and stern pulpits and a support from the cabin to the mid section.
Tg

[MaritimeElevation]

On the CP-16 the boom does not fit in the cabin. I put mine in a windsurf sail bag (with the sail furled on the boom) and put it in the bed of my truck. My CP-16 has a swing up swim ladder that does not telescope. Mast fits nicely between that and the bow pulpit for trailering.

[carry-on]

The mast hinges at the step and rest on the gallows.

[Duckie]

I guess there is something to consider in what are you doing with the boat when trailering.  If it is just a jaunt to the ramp for an afternoon day sail, I can't see knocking it down that much.  Having to lift the mast up from below as well as re-attach the shrouds and spreaders is just too much bother for that kind of deal.  If you are going on a long trip, maybe that amount of disassembly would be justified.  These aluminum masts are tough, but they aren't indestructible.  I think a three point support is just about ideal.  I typically only support from the bow pulpit to the boom gallows on my 16, and haven't noticed that there is a problem with that.  However, if I was to go on a long overland journey, I would for sure add a support at the mast step, just in case of a really bad pothole. 

I also agree that trailering the running rigging down where it can get fouled with road grime is not a good idea.  I have trailered my weekender over 5,000 miles in its short life with every  mile of that fully rigged and ready to stand up at the ramp with no assembly.  That is a big part of its appeal to me as a sailor. My com-pac is similar.  If I had to assemble everything each time I took her out, I probably wouldn't go.  In my mind there are two important elements in trailering: safety and convenience.  They aren't incompatible, but one without the other is a no go for me. 

Al

[MHardy]

Here's my setup. Obviously, there are some non-stock items involved, all installed by Keith Scott of the Sailboat Company in NC.

[Duckie]

Yeah, I have the same boom gallows. I wasn't too sure about it at first, but now I like it quite a bit.  If I have to go under a bridge while sailing, I can just let the forestay go and lay the mast right on the gallows and away I go.  I also made a crutch for the mast that rides on the bow sprit.  I did that so the spreaders could hang down from the mast and not touch the sliding hatch.  It helps with the shrouds also. 

Al

[MHardy]

My boat is an '83, so no spreaders. I have a removable crutch that fits on the bow pulpit, that you can't really see in the photo. Only the forestay is released and the mainsail stays on. Couldn't be easier. I think Keith told me this is basically Com-Pac's BoomTendr system.

[Duckie]

That is the best system I have seen yet.  I bet it takes you no time at all to get on the water.

Al