trailer extension-extra line

[Tim Pinkham]

Hello,I'm close to getting my boat in the water and am wondering if any of you have made use of the trailer extension sleave. The trailer I have is single axle and about 28 years old. I have never launched this or any other sailboat. I have a swing keel.Also, the previous owner added a half inch line that runs from the bottom of the mast to the end of the boom. (through a pulley at the mast head)He wanted it to add support for some reason. It just seems to be in the way. Should I leave it?Thanks!-Tim

 

[Dave LaPere]

trailrite extention

In Reply to your question,I have a new trailrite galvenized trailer and new 22'mark ll with a swing keel and to launch mine I extend the tongue after removing the 2 pins that hold the extention in place. Now keep in mind it makes it alot easier if you have a swing up jack with a wheel on it because it helps a great deal on keeping it from hanging up. Also a little grease or oil on the inside of the extention doesn't hurt to assist it in moving in and out easily. I have painted bands on my extention so it will help me locate the holes easier( especially if you are having someone help you that may not be experienced.Regarding your question with the extra line. I don't believe I would need such a line, but then you might consult the previous owner if you have contact with him or her and find out what they used it for. Hope this helps, anything else let me know email me dgl@lightspeed.netThanks,Dave LaPere

 

[Jim]

Yes

I have used my tongue extension many times to launch and retrieve my boat. You need it unless the ramp is really steep.That rope could be a cunningham if it is at the front of the boom. You use it to flatten the sail.It also could be part of a sail reefing system.

 

[Barry Broyles]

Trailer Extension - Extra Line

Tim, My 27 year old Catalina 22 Trailrite trailer also has the tounge extension and in the 8 years I have had it I have never launched without using the extension, in fact sometimes I wished it was longer. About the extra line, as I understand your description it is secured to the aft end of the boom runs upto a block attached to the top of the mast than down along the mast to the bottom where it is tied or cleated. If this is correct it would most likely be a toping lift. A toping lift holds the back end of the boom up so that it doesn't drop down into the cockpit when you lower the main sail prior to hooking it onto the backstay. I installed a toping lift on my C22 about 4 years ago after first experimenting with lazy jacks. The toping lift is also very usefull if you want to reef your main while under way.Barry BroylesNortheast Md.LTBROYT6D@cs.com