I am looking for a better way to support the mast while trailering. I saw a few better setups when I was in Chicago last year, and was looking for dimensions to build some better supports before I haul for the winter. Also, how far do you strip your mast before trailering?
If you do have a trailer, come join us in sunny Key West in January for Race Week.

Chinook

ed i have a trailer and we are thinking of key west but i need some info such as the type of truck you tow with (i have no way to tow at present need to rent)permits from new york to fla and such if you could email me at paul.battin@gerbercoburn.com with your number i could call and talk to you about it or just e mail any info you may have
thanks paul

Cove Point Marine Transport (http://www.covepointmarineservices.com/) transported two boats together, Bebop and 090, to the 2002 NA's in CT. I'd use them again. Long enough to stow the masts alongside, so I can't help with single boat trailer. John White, who has done this a couple times, instructed us to remove and store windex and any mast mounted instruments. 'Sky' halyards and topping lift so the shackles are at the sheaves. Remove spreaders and shrouds. Leave upper wire attached to spreaders, and then loosely coil. Remove and coil backstay with bridle. Likewise forestay, bend just enough to fit below without breaking the tuff luff. Cover the shackles, sheaves, lights, gooseneck, halyard exits/blocks, and open mast base with saran wrap (any clear kitchen wrap, like Glad Wrap). Secure with packing tape. Drop halyard tails in a plastic garbage back and tape to the mast. Everything stays clean and ready to use with a couple flicks of a knife.

I recently trailered Lone Star #367. The trailer had a built-in support for the mast near the front of the trailer. I rested the top of the mast on the stern rail and padded it well. Not an ideal setup but it worked, I'd have preferred a better support at the stern. I pulled it with a Ford F-250 diesel pickup. I wouldn't use anything lighter or with less torque. A friend hauled his J105 to the Chicago NAs with a Ford Excursion. Keep in mind you're hauling a 7000lb boat on a 1500lb trailer so you need torque. Good luck!

I have the forward mast support on the trailer as well. I have done the last two Key Wests and Chicago with the aft part of the mast tied to the stern pulpit - not the best way to do it. Several people have built supports for the aft end of the mast. Anyone have a detailed description / measurements?