Trailering with mast in deck position?

Mldun · Post by **Mldun** » Mon Jan 30, 2012 4:45 am

I am a new Mac owner and live about 3 miles from the ramp I use. The roads are paved and I drive no more than 35 mph. Has anyone trailered or know if there would be problems Trailering with the mast in the deck position instead of the forward position. The reason to do so would be just one less thing to do at the ramp, I could do at home.

Thanks, Mike

raycarlson · Post by **raycarlson** » Mon Jan 30, 2012 6:29 am

you'd have about 15 feet overhang floppin around like a ultralight flyrod,but if the five minutes of time saved helps that much go for it.

Knot Tied Down · Post by **Knot Tied Down** » Mon Jan 30, 2012 7:12 am

You have to remember that anything long like that which hangs off the back of the boat will have the potential to strike objects during a turn *say into the marina* because its so long. It only takes a minute to walk the boom back, and it is adding stress *bouncing action* to the mast and the step plate when trailering the boat with the mast in the launch position.
If your a new Mac owner, I would start by doing everything by the book and then find shortcuts. Do it proper first, and then see what can be done to shorten the set up time. If you go into the rig up having a plan and know what your next move will be, or what needs doing next...it should go smooth and relatively quick. But remember, TAKE YOUR TIME!!! when you rush, there is more chance of making a mistake, kinking a side stay *done that* catching on this or that *done that as well* Plus you dont want to have to fix something or take the mast down while on the water if you can avoid it. This is all my opinions, and your the captain of your own MAC for a reason

Best of luck!

Calin · Post by **Calin** » Mon Jan 30, 2012 7:48 am

I will also suggest not to. Few others gave excellent reasons. Also, with the effort when turning, breaking, pot hole crossing, due the long overhang mast, the mast may bent or the base screws may shear its base.

robbarnes1965 · Post by **robbarnes1965** » Mon Jan 30, 2012 9:05 am

That's a cut corner that will cost you a mast. I have cut corners for speed on other things and it cost $ on the boat but that one is almost guaranteed and more $.

mastreb · Post by **mastreb** » Mon Jan 30, 2012 9:51 am

The primary issue would be the 15 foot overhang behind a trailer. It's very difficult to see that far behind you, and with the trailer pivoting on the wheels you've got a 20' overhang. Any right turn will cause that to swing far beyond your lane, potentially striking any tall vehicle or center island pole.

The mast will flex, but aluminum is flexible and that alone won't damage the mast. You would have to tie it down well at the mast carrier. There will be nearly double the load on the mast carrier because of the change in fulcrum point, with far less to no load on the mast step compare to the pulpit. Adding mast bounce to this means you are looking at periodic quadrupling of the load on the mast carrier. Likely it can take that just fine, but you should inspect routinely for carrier bending or any deformation of the mast carrier pole holders.

Also, in most states you would have to flag the mast top, and it may be illegal anyway.

I recommend putting quickpins on your spreaders and removing them instead. That makes moving the mast simple and easy with no potential for damage. Search this site for commentary about the process.

Mldun · Post by **Mldun** » Mon Jan 30, 2012 2:52 pm

Thanks so much for the information, I now agree that is probably not a good shortcut. It is amazing how helpful this group is. Thanks again for each of your comments.

Newby MIKE

Knot Tied Down · Post by **Knot Tied Down** » Mon Jan 30, 2012 7:10 pm

Were all here to help And learn, and *crosses fingers* avoid mistakes by learning from each other! Best of luck to you!

Cris · Post by **Cris** » Mon Jan 30, 2012 8:57 pm

Consider stabilizing the overhang of the mast this way in a mod I did several years ago:
http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/index.php?view=279

Highlander · Post by **Highlander** » Tue Jan 31, 2012 8:08 pm

Consider this even if nothing happened which I would incline to think is going too happen as that mast is going to be swinging out across almost two lanes when turning or think of whats going to happen if a commercail vehical comes up behind you when u are stopped & drives into that mast think of the conciquences then, plus its illegal on top of that thats an aful lot of chances to be taking for to save two mins work !!

J

korn_kid_12 · Post by **korn_kid_12** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 8:13 am

I know this an old Topic, but here in Albuquerque New Mexico it is illegal to have anything hang out the back of a trailer or truck bed more than 4 feet. Home depot warned me, but I had no option when bringing the new garage door home, since they were 4 days out for delivery and momma wanted her jeep in the garage ASAP. The door was destoryed during the home inspection... Anyways a police officer pulled me over and gave me a warning on the 15 mile drive home. Though most of our boats hang off more than that from the factory I would imagine imbelishing it this much more with a mast off the back would be seriously looking for trouble.

MacGregorSailors.com

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Trailering with mast in deck position?

Trailering with mast in deck position?

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