Trailering

[twig]

We currently trailer a Capri 26 and I step the mast myself. I want to get a little larger boat but still trailer and step mast myself. Towing and permits are not an issue. What are others doing in the larger range(say up to 32 foot). We love to explore new areas but I'm retiring soon and want a little more room. Thanks

[Stumble]

You are probably at the larger end of what is reasonable to step without going to a crane. I know some of the larger Corsair Tri's are doable, but really in the 30' range or larger the masts just get too heavy.

At a minimum you almost have to swap to a carbon mast just to reduce weight.

[ontherocks83]

Even the difference between alot of 28 footers to a 30' is huge. Most boats under 30' the mast is typically self stepable. Over 30' and it usually is much larger.

[Zeb]

Seaward 32 is trailerable and has a mast raising system, but she's a 10 foot beam so would need permits, etc. But it is possible.

- Zeb

[Cormorant]

Build yourself a Michalak "Cormorant," like we've got!

The mainmast is relatively short to begin with, as the mainsail is a balanced lug. And the mainmast is in a tabernacle (big hinge arrangement), so you can just walk it up by hand, one person. Fifteen minutes from arrival by trailer to splash.

The mizzen is light enough to lift and plunk into place, especially when built hollow birdsmouth style.

See Cormorant for plans.

I know most people don't want to build a boat, but the design incorporates some good ideas you might apply to another craft. . . .

[maxingout]

The biggest boat I would want to trailer would be a Norsea 27, and then I would probably rent a truck to do the actual hauling as I would not want to stress out my own transmission and brakes doing a major haul.

[Rhapsody-NS27]

A Nor'sea 27 gets to the larger end of towable boats where some owners are able to step the mast themselves, just requires a little extra hardware, I think. I'm not capable of stepping my own mast, but did meet one owner who was able to.

Cape Dory 27 is another one that comes to mind for that size that one may be able to step the mast. Also, its beam allows towing without any permits.

[gjordan]

There are thousands of boats in Europe that have tabernakle(sp?) masts that can be raised or lowered by one person. Many of those boats are in the 40 foot range, so I am sure that anything you can tow yourself can be rigged to raise or lower the mast. It might not be cheep to set a boat up that way, but it can be done. I think we have had threads on this before. _____Grant.