RE: Trailering Advice

Eric Johnson (ej@tx3.com)
Thu, 4 Mar 1999 09:42:27 -0800


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West Wight Potter Website at URL
http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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> I am very new to the West Wight Potter mailing list (since this
> weekend), and already I have learned an enormous amount of helpful
> information in connection with my Potter.
>
> I would appreciate some advice on my most difficult aspect of Pottering
> - trailering.
>
> Once message mentioned the possible need for a reinforced transom if you
>
> plan to trailer with the motor on. I have always trailered without
> removing my motor (anything to save time rigging and unrigging). I have
>
> a 4-stroke 5-hp Honda. Is this a problem? Should I mount it on the
> trailer during towing?

I've done both. It does bounce a little more than I'd like, so on short
trips I use a tiedown strap to distribute the motor loads also to the
transom cleats. I plan on reinforcing my transom too, i think a couple
lengths of stainless angle iron running vertically the height of the transom
might be enough.

> I quit using the strap which secures the boat to the trailer. It didn't
> seem to do much except give me major grief connecting it. Does anyone
> feel this is asking for trouble?

I think you're BEGGING for trouble. It wouldn't take a very big dip in the
road to bounce the boat right off the trailer. In case you haven't seen
pictures of a P19-meets-pavement, check out "windsong's big adventure" on
http://www.tx3.com/~ej/nwp.html I don't know whether Tom had a strap or not,
but those pics make me want to do everything possible to secure.

I agree the belly straps are a pain in the butt sometimes though.

> Any advice on quickly securing the shrouds would be helpful. This
> typically takes me 30+ minutes. I hate lines flying or lying about
> during trailering, not only because it seems unsailorly, but anytime one
> gets loose, I am almost certain to incur some damage.

Secure one end of the main halyard. Starting at the top of the mast, bring
all the rigging, (except backstay) parallel with the mast, wrapping the
halyard around it in a spiral pattern. Continue all the way to the base of
the mast. Nylon shroud covers help keep the little bit that contacts the
deck from staining it. Works well, is fast, looks great. I used to use
bungees but this method (I learned from someone here on the list) is, for
me, vastly superior and fast, no downside at all.