Mast support while trailering

[lbeer64]

I have just purchased a Catalina 250 WB that is 800 miles away and has never been on a trailer. The owner does not have any mast supports that you would use to trailer this boat (transom crutch ect.). I need to make something temporary to get the boat to it's new home with the mast intact. Can I put a 2X6 board across the top rail of the catbird seats and across the bow pulpit rail to strap the mast to? I want to make sure that the mast clears the cabin. I'm hoping someone out there has their boat handy and can eye it up for me. Any other ideas ? I will be leaving to pick her up soon. Thanks

 

[sinnettc]

I don't see why not. My mast lies on a fiberglass mount on the pulpit but I've seen others use wood. Maybe take a few 2x4 pieces to nail in next to the mast and keep it centered and keep it from sliding around. Depending on how flexible the mast is you might want to be prepared to make a brace to keep it from bouncing up and down in the center. You can place it at the tabernacle.

If the board across the catbird seats isn't high enough you could try building a quick a-frame to go in the cockpit. I have one that I use when the boat is stored that lets me raise the mast higher so I can stand up in the cockpit under the tarp. If you do make an a-frame be sure you tie it in good so it doesn't slide or fall over when you hit bumps.

 

[hewebb]

Be sure to support the center at the step. I use a T shape wood support when hauling. The upright is 4X4, cut to fit, and the cross piece is 2x4 with the carpet. That will keep the mast from bouncing. I bolt it through the step. Don't just put something there that can leave during transit, because it will.