I leave the rudder on, but make sure that it is double or triple tied up. I also secure the tiller so it doesn’t flop side to side. I also leave my motor on and up so the mass is almost directly over the transom. The motor has a theft deterring cable that also secures it to the boat. For the mast I made a T out of 4x4 that fits in the mast step. On top of the T is a piece of foam insulation to cushion.
The 4x4 over the mast step sounds neat. I have an unused set of 2x4 brackets at the aft end of the cockpit. I think that is a good place for the top of the mast while trailering.
Dirt is from former owner, I will add mine on top of his!!!
I have a roller furler and have used pvc pipe to extend in front of the boat so I can tie the furler with sail to the mast. I think I posted pics on this forum some where. Recently someone posted a Cadillac version of what I did.
35 years ago, I had a Clipper Marine 26 with roller furling on the jib. Hope to repeat that 26D this season.
I am not that familiar with this form and I will search for your pictures. If you can find the post and share a link, I would appreciate that.
Bungee’s with balls are your friend. Buy a pack every time you find them on sale. I probably have 25 or so. A little off topic, but I use four for the mainsail, and it seems a couple of times a year, someone will let go of one and it shoots into the water. Surprising how fast they sink.
Wife is a quilter, so I have access to her sewing abilities and machine. Thinking of 1" wide webbing and Velcro for the random ties required for trailering.
I don’t trailer every weekend. It’s about 90 minutes to my “home” lake where I have a slip, once or twice per year. On top of that I usually make a longer trip to either Mississippi, Chicago, or central Michigan from my home near Cinti, Ohio.
I’m number 3 on the waiting list for a slip in a marina in Bradenton, Fl, so that will likely be my next big trip.
Hot room for "crew"?
Oh, and welcome to the 26D club!