Last minute hints, suggestions, warnings?

LeatherneckPA · Post by **LeatherneckPA** » Sun May 30, 2010 3:38 pm

Well, timing has not worked out the way I had hoped it would. I will be making the trip to St Pete solo. I absolutely have to get her out of the marina this week. I'm driving as far as I can Tuesday and then finishing the trip on Wednesday. Hopefully I can load the boat on the trailer Wednesday afternoon. Then, since I'm solo, I'll probably stop in to see my mother (Sun City Center) before I head home Thursday morning. Should have her in the driveway by supper on Friday.

I have printed off Capt Scott's instructions on stepping the mast, including printing several of the photographs as well. Tomorrow I am going to Lowe's and get the materials to make myself a pair of bridles.

Are there any last minute hints, suggestions, or warnings that any of you wish to share with me before I go try to lower this mast solo? Fear not, all such will be graciously accepted.

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Sun May 30, 2010 4:19 pm

Keep the tire pressure proper,

DRIVE SLOW.
No reason to do 70 pulling a trailer.

Have as many bodies as possible available at the time you step your mast. Even an unknown person to just watch just incase something happens they can help or get help.

You have my instructions already on stepping the mast.

Strap the boat to the trailer. Make sure the outboard is secured. IE a chain to keep it with you should the mount come loose.

Watch the tongue weight! Do not go light!

Did I mention driving slow?
Remember you may have a rig that feels great towing but you can not stop like you are accustomed to!!! LEAVE LOTS of space between you and the next guy.

Ignore the idiots that will inevitably honk at you!!
When they do, just smile and wave! They simply don't understand towing!

Most importantly,
RELAX AND HAVE FUN! ENJOY the adventure!!!!!

Scott
PS, Did I mention drive slow?

Banshi · Post by **Banshi** » Sun May 30, 2010 4:24 pm

I can give you a hand if you need it just stop by on the way down and pick me up. Also I can bring my mast stepping gear if needed.

Bungee cords for securing all the lines to the mast and the mast to the boat

sharps4590 · Post by **sharps4590** » Sun May 30, 2010 4:39 pm

Mike, have an enjoyable trip and above all be safe. You got all the towing tips you need except for checking the trailer lights and brakes to make certain they work, if it has brakes. I towed a 4 horse trailer full of horses all over the Rocky Mountains with no problems so your boat haul should go well.

Vic

mga1951 · Post by **mga1951** » Sun May 30, 2010 5:27 pm

Hope you have a very safe and uneventful trip.
I like to take the outboard off the mount and either lay it in the cockpit or in my truck bed.
Make sure you tie up the rudder to the transom bow eyes and tighten up the rudder ropes too! have had it come down twice. I now do that and tie it with a third rope.

Best of Luck

Chrysler20%26 · Post by **Chrysler20%26** » Sun May 30, 2010 11:44 pm

I went to N. J. to get my C- 26 an to OH. to get the Mc. a acros my state to get the C-20. All by my self, with out troble. Make a lot of stops, an look for troble, befor it happens. If the outboard comes off easy, put it in the car, or truck, a long with any other hevy idems. A Best Of Luck To You