Do you support your mast in the middle while trailering?

Nov 23, 2011
2,023
MacGregor 26D London Ontario Canada
I haven't in the past but think I will start. I am building a aluminium arch for solar on the stern and will have it supported on it while trailering. I'll add a bracket and roller. So it will be up higher on the back end. Not that I think height matters much.
I don't think the bouncing that it does will affect the middle of mast at all. That's just my opinion though.
I do plan to support it in the middle because I want to stop the whipping up and down of the back end or top of it. I have my VHF antenna on the top and don't want it damaged.
I'm designing (Copying someone else's but making changes. Thanks power boat dudes.) this arch and will start a thread once I get going on it.
 
Oct 6, 2008
857
Hunter, Island Packet, Catalina, San Juan 26,38,22,23 Kettle Falls, Washington
I use 3 supports. Front, rear and for the center I combined two 2X4's and cut a V notch in the top. This center support is drilled through on the bottom for the mast pin in the mast base plate on the cabin top. This holds it solidly in place both for trailing and for winter tarp support.
Ray
 
Dec 9, 2012
3
Catalina 16.5 Centerboard Pelican Lake, Ottertail County, mn
I do. Rigged up a center support using some PVC pipe. $5 investment for additional peace of mind.
 
Nov 19, 2011
1,489
MacGregor 26S Hampton, VA
Just remember, at least for me, the rear support is offset to the port side by about 6" which means your center support will be offset to the port side at the mid point by about 3". I'll try to post a pic of my simple PVC support. As mentioned a couple bucks is all and worth the steps.