Jeff
The design of the boat was specifically for trailering. With that in mind, weight was a factor. With a heavy boat, then many folks would not be able to pull the 26 or 260 as it would require a heavy tow vehicle. The thickness is more than adequate for sailing and trailerability; however, when other stresses occour for what the boat was not designed for, then you will have problem. Most people think that a large boat will not change shape after being built. When you add the rig and tune it, usually you have to go back a few weeks later to adjust the alignment on the drive shaft because the rig can cause it to contort very little but it does occour and this happens with all sailboats. To leave a 26 or 260 in a sling for a long time, the boat will bend as the center of weight goes down in the middle and you could damage the tank lid that is bonded to the hull or cause other damage. Even when I see a boat on a trailer with one of the supports too high, I know it will indent the hull, thus I lower it. There is discussion of two supports per bunk board on the 26 or 260 but remember the board bends and most of the time the boat actually sits on the supports if you can fathom that. Thus you have to add a third and yet even better a fourth support. Everyone has their ideas but I was there with the original boats when the trailers were being designed for the water ballast. Many engineers did listen to what I said and they felt it was reasonable but most important safe for the trailer and boat. I hope this will explain alot but like I said, people will do what they think is best but my imput is based on experience which far exceeds most on this forum.
