Feasibility of trailering Weekender

[Robeert Johnson]

I would like a boat that I can set up and launch in several different lakes and the Gulf of Mexico for trips of two to four days. Is the Weekender set-up to difficult to use in this capacity?



rjohn12@midsouth.rr.com

[Paul D.]

I would like a boat that I can set up and launch in several different lakes and the Gulf of Mexico for trips of two to four days. Is the Weekender set-up to difficult to use in this capacity?

Robert,

I can set up and launch my weekender in about 30 minutes. The launch ramp does need to have a "healthy" grade to it for this. If you plan on launching into shallow angle areas it may take a little innovation, yet it is possible. I have an original Spartan trailer from 1975 with rollers for the keel. I replaced these with heavy-duty ones with thick shafts due to the boat's 2000 lbs. The uprights are bunks that run alongside the turn of the bilge on each side, actually just below the waterline. The little Typhoon slides right off. I have not retrieved it this way though because I worked at a marina so I used the lift. I can't see it being that difficult though, and with the tongue extension sould go far enough into the water to retrieve easily. This is no water-ballasted, centerboarder though so it does take a bit more forethought. However once in the water there is no better little sailing yacht! Very safe and sweet!

As for the mast set up, I replaced the jib halyard with one five foot longer to enable me to make fast the halyard at the anchor chock up forward and run the halyard back to a winch while the mast is down and it's foot stuck into the maststep. Then with one arm push up the mast while hauling in the jibsheet and hoisting it to vertical with the other. The sheet acts as a forestay while I hook the wire one up. I am not exceptionally strong so yes it might be easier with two people but I do not dread the operation in the least.

To your question of whether the Typhoon is too difficult for your intentions I would say a resounding NO! It would be a fine pocket cruiser to trailer that would be a little more tricky to launch and retrieve while more than making it up in sailing ability and pure style! By the way, she tows beautifully behind a 6 cylinder minivan.

All the best,
Paul Danicic
HORNET #1178
MPLS MN



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