Mast moving ideas?

[atoll]

Originally Posted by Chotu

New Information: I just got a Florida Department of Transportation permit to tow the mast behind my truck.


Let’s pivot the discussion.

How can I best tow it?

My thoughts are to get a small boat/jet ski trailer and affix it to the far end of the mast, then attach the other end of the mast to my truck somehow.

The tricky parts are the attachment points.

1) The trailer will be nowhere near the truck. I’m essentially using the trailer as a dolly and the mast as the trailer. I think I have to keep the trailer tongue PERFECTLY aligned with the mast centerline or the thing will start steering itself, right?

2). I need a soft attachment to the truck, or... some kind of thing that will lock onto the mast and have a socket to allow the mast to just hitch up to my hitch on the truck. This imaginary device to hitch it on like a normal trailer seems like the best idea, but I’m not sure it exists. Any ideas there? Is rope acceptable ?

PS: watch for me on qualified captain. Ugh. Ha ha

(2) i used 2 heavy tie down straps in an X pattern across from each side of the pickup truck with a large shackle through the forestay chainplate and around the tie downs where they crossed.
the shackle attachment point allowed the mast to self centralise itself when towing .
there were also additional ropes for security

[Chotu]

Originally Posted by atoll

(2) i used 2 heavy tie down straps in an X pattern across from each side of the pickup truck with a large shackle through the forestay chainplate and around the tie downs where they crossed.
the shackle attachment point allowed the mast to self centralise itself when towing .
there were also additional ropes for security

Now we’re talking!!

I was thinking about this too but was a little unsure if the X webbing would hold up for the trip. I suppose I can bring extra.

I’ve got a fractional, double diamond rig now, so there is a good deal of it with no attachment points at the top other than the mainsail track.

If I put the base in the truck at the “X” pattern, I have some things there I can attach to.

I’m glad to hear someone has tried this before successively.

Thankfully, no roundabouts involved in the trip. And even more thankfully, Florida roads are extremely wide.

Downside is Florida drivers are among the worst in the States. Ha ha.

[Chotu]

Here are the two ends of the mast.

I’m thinking the masthead isn’t a sufficient attachment point so I need to use the base.

[atoll]

the base would work if there is a secure attachment point big enough for a 1/2 -3/4" shackle near the end .
my fore stay chainplate is about 2ft below the top of the mast ,so as long as it clears the back window of the truck,no biggie.
you could also just make up a simple clamp to go around the the mast with an attachment point.
there is very little load when towing on the cross ties,just when pulling off and stopping.
the worst thing is going over bumps ,the mast and dolly will jump in the air as their is so little weight!

[Chotu]

Originally Posted by atoll

picture of the mast in the dolly,this was after we towed it and moved the dolly to the center of the mast so as to make it easy to move around by hand in the yard.

Wow. That dolly is ideal!


I haven’t found anything like that. I’m looking at just a set of wheels to attach to the mast essentially.

[atoll]

Originally Posted by Chotu

Wow. That dolly is ideal!


I haven’t found anything like that. I’m looking at just a set of wheels to attach to the mast essentially.

i borrowed it from the riggers who use it all the time for moving masts.

if you look at the design of the dolly you will see it is engineered so the wheels remain paralelle to the mast and cannot move out of alignment with the mast when it rests in the V shaped supports at the front and back of the frame on the top of the dolly.
otherwise the mast would be liable to fishtail from side to side when being towed if there was any misalignment.

[atoll]

here a couple of better photos i just took of the dolly

[Manateeman]

I have a 30 foot aluminum I beam trailer which I built to move my 70’ mast.
The forward end of the mast projects over my SUV. The trailer has goal posts on both ends and in the middle. Right now I’m not using it as I’m still building my spars. It’s in St Mary’s. Fl.
Never had an issue with police on the highway. Talked to the DOT both in FL and GA. No permits needed.
Torsion axel, new tires, rear lights nice and high. The trailer is bolted together with all 1/2” 316 stainless. No welds to crack.
Built by manatees.
If you can get the mast to the trailer, you’ll be good to go.
Happy trails to you
Captain Mark and his rollicking manatee crew

[Iaangus]

Originally Posted by Chotu

Wow. That dolly is ideal!


I haven’t found anything like that. I’m looking at just a set of wheels to attach to the mast essentially.

If you could find a small old boat trailer you could modify it to a mast trailer. Cut the long hitch off, modify it to be held on to the mast end with load binder straps.

[DougR]

Companies that do mast rigging use trailers like this all the time....such as Mack Sails in Stuart. Maybe they could rent you the trailer......

I once moved a 45 foot mast up the freeway....strapped it to the top of a friends motor home. It hung over a bit on each end, but no problem.

[Chotu]

Tomorrow. Pray for me. Ha ha ha

[Knotical]

Looks good, great work. Take some videos for your blog (if you have one) and also for future mast movers here on CF.

[Iaangus]

Originally Posted by Chotu

Tomorrow. Pray for me. Ha ha ha

Should work, 2x4 cross bracing fore and aft couldn't hurt. I'd use straps to hold it tight to prevent wiggle. What did you decide on to attach mast to the truck?

[capn_billl]

My recommendation. Ryder rents Semi's with 53' trailers in Tampa.

Angling it gives you 55 ft, just 4 ft sticking out the back.

with flags, and an escort following you, it should be fine.

[Chotu]

Originally Posted by Knotical

Looks good, great work. Take some videos for your blog (if you have one) and also for future mast movers here on CF.

Will do.

No blog. I don’t actually want anyone to know who I am. Not interested in social media or anything.

Basically, I’m posting updates here because people have been so kind as to lend their advice and help out.

The least I could do is show the results of their input.

People like seeing the action side of boat building.