Prep for the "Long Haul"

Invictus · Post by **Invictus** » Nov 4th, '10, 09:23

I'm getting INVICTUS ready for the trip down I-95 from Newport to DC.

What I've done so far:
She is sitting on the trailer with her mast pulled and stowed on deck. The mast is strapped down to pushpit and pulpit stanchions and at three places in between to deck hardware and is supported in the middle by two fenders. I've also pulled the spreaders and tied AND tie-wrapped at the rigging to the mast. The lifelines and stanchions have been removed and carefully stowed. I have removed all the unnecessary gear and consigned their delivery to the U.S. Navy's contracted moving company.

No dodger to worry about, but I think I would like to get one in the future

Anyone with long distance transport experience have any other suggestions?

Thanks!
Jeff

Steve Laume · Post by **Steve Laume** » Nov 4th, '10, 09:48

Soft chaffing gear on anything that could rub. Remove cowl vents, anchor and any extra weight (empty water tanks). Brownell has a preparation list to follow that might be of help, Steve.

Tod Mills · Post by **Tod Mills** » Nov 4th, '10, 10:52

Sometimes companionway hatches will bounce up and slide forward, so it is good if they are latched.

If rain is forecast, expect it to blow in through the front of a companionway hatch that lacks a sea hood.

mahalocd36 · Post by **mahalocd36** » Nov 4th, '10, 11:11

Be sure to lock the boat; and lock/secure all cockpit lockers.

Sounds like you did a great job with the outside, we never removed lifelines/stantions. (2 hour ride with Brownell).
But we took off everything else we could from the deck.

Also, we would turn our rail mounted GPS attennae down/in so that it didn't stick up higher than the rail.

If you have attennae/wind indicator on the mast, remove it.

Below, make sure stuff is secured as well, as it goes over bumps/up and down hills, stuff will move around. Especially check that any liquids (like those that might be under your sink) are securely shut/secured.

bhartley · Post by **bhartley** » Nov 4th, '10, 11:59

Secure your turnbuckles. We have found that the jostling the boat gets over the road can quickly either work turnbuckles loose OR allow them to repeatedly whack into anything in the vicinity causing unnecessary damage to both the deck or whatever they're hitting and the turnbuckles.

Tie your tiller. Support the end of your furler if you have one.

Smooth travels!

Bill Goldsmith · Post by **Bill Goldsmith** » Nov 4th, '10, 12:04

It sounds obvious, but make sure all the portlights are dogged tight. I once saw a sailboat going down I95 with an interior curtain flapping out an open portlight.

I would consider removing and boxing up as much interior contents as possible and moving it yourself (or even shipping some of it). In addition to liquids opening and leaking, hard objects can bounce around and damage the woodwork.

SurryMark · Post by **SurryMark** » Nov 4th, '10, 13:38

Does the trailer have electric brakes? Are they in good order? If not, what are you towing with? Are the brakes up to the load?

Dave and Kathy · Post by **Dave and Kathy** » Nov 4th, '10, 17:17

When we trailered our "new to us" CD28 from Maine back home to Richland, WA, we wrapped the entire mast with two layers of the industrial "Saran Wrap". Available at our local UPS store, it held up great over the whole trip. It makes the mast much more aerodynamic and, even though you've tie-wrapped, it keeps things from flapping around.

jim trandel · Post by **jim trandel** » Nov 4th, '10, 17:41

I trailered my Typhoon from Vermont to Chicago. I have a triad trailer and it was well balanced & performed very well. It all went well.

Here are my tips:
New tires and properly inflated.
Bearings inspected and greased.
Reduce speed to 55mph
Don't follow too close and anticipate stopping
Don't use a boat cover and and make sure your trailer straps ends are not flapping in the wind.

Goods Luck
Jim

RIKanaka · Post by **RIKanaka** » Nov 4th, '10, 18:48

Making sure that the prop can turn freely will improve aerodynamics.

Invictus · Post by **Invictus** » Nov 4th, '10, 19:05

Thanks for all the advice.

I like the plastic wrap on the mast idea and will definitely do that.

My trailer is a new Triad with electric disc brakes--it handles like a dream. My tow vehicle had no problem towing the trailer and boat from NYC to Newport in May, so I don't anticipate any issues.

Jeff

MFC · Post by **MFC** » Nov 4th, '10, 20:08

Having trailered the hobie cat for years, I've found it is important to protect the heading edge of the boat -- lots of stones and things kick up on the highway any one direct hit can cause real damage -- indirect hits can leave nasty marks. You might think of wrapping the bow of the boat with some sort of protective cover (cardboard / plastic???). You might also consider using duct-tape across the leading edge of the hatch. I have heard of them lifting while being towed. As was already mentioned, there are a couple of good trailering / trucking prep lists on the 'net.

Luck!
Matt

Oswego John · Post by **Oswego John** » Nov 4th, '10, 20:33

Bob Chinn,

I chuckled out loud when I read your post.

O J

mgphl52 · Post by **mgphl52** » Nov 4th, '10, 20:43

Oswego John wrote:Bob Chinn,

I chuckled out loud when I read your post.

O J

Me too!

Invictus · Post by **Invictus** » Nov 26th, '10, 21:50

Delivery went well. I took a lot of the prescribed advice and had no issues...although I didn't notice any significant fuel savings from the reduced prop drag! INVICTUS is now comfortably ensconced for the winter at Fort Belvoir in VA.

Thanks for the help!

Jeff

[img]http://picasaweb.google.com/jsturm70/Bo ... 2932050834[/img]

The Cape Dory Board

Prep for the "Long Haul"

Prep for the "Long Haul"

kind of like prepping for a hurricane

Turnbuckles.

prop

Mission Complete