Preparing For A Trailer Cruise
Getting R&R ready for a cruise generally means a significant effort.  For 2003 we plan to sail the Bahamas in April and the North Channel in August.  Each is a round trip trailer of 2,600 miles with a float plan of 300+ miles. As usual, there is both the regularly yearly maintenance and a short list of other things that are wanted.  Even though this will be my sixth year to trailer and cruise R&R, the list had a good many items. Here is a report on that effort in hopes that it may be of help or interest to those who trailer cruise.


New stuff started late in December
  • Rebuilt the steering system to solve the problems of play, drag, poor steering ratio and to avoid potential failures not fixable while cruising.
  • Purchased a motor flush attachment for the Honda.
  • Constructed a mount to finally deal with better management of the solar panel. 
  • Added blocks for the jib sheets and repositioned and rebedded the rub rail to solve over ride problem on coaming winches.
  • Mounted swivel cams to cleat the twings.
  • Created a second fuel locker from an old ice chest and mounted above the stock fuel locker.
  • Ordered the third generation rudder and fit to the boat.
  • Reworked the "soft link steering" to the new rudder.
  • Ground off some of the tiller arm on the Honda to enhance the turning radius.
  • Added a back light to the holding tank so that its level could be easily seen.
  • Made mods to gin pole for use with the dinghy and its motor
    • Added a shackle to the gin pole to secure to mast eyes.
    • Contructed a mast eye to fit into the mast slot.
    • Crafted a web motor sling.
    • Rigged a lifting bridle for the dinghy.
  • Constructed a pallet to store the dinghy motor in the aft berth.
  • Moved the port turning block on the mast for the single line reef to starboard side to make it a double line reef.
  • Designed and sewed two riding sails.
  • Solved a "pain in the butt" problem with access to the V berth locker.  Cut the access hatch cover in half and installed a piano hinge.
  • Mounted anntenna for use with an HF radio.

The normal annual maintenance check list turned up the following items that needed repairs.
  • The trailer
    • The license plate mount was cracked 3/4 the way across and would have soon fallen off.
    • One of the three block identifier lights was misaligned due to a trailer scrape and not working.
    • The trailer lights connector was in bad shape from having come unplugged and drug on the road, replaced by a round connector that fit the truck without need for an adapter.
    • The liscense plate light was not working.
    • Two original tires now 7 years old, one on the boat and one an unmounted spare were found to be dry rotted pretty bad.  Two new tires and one rim were purchased so that there are now two mounted spares.
    • The ball was removed from the receiver and inverted as the new truck has a lower receiver hitch.
  • The boat
    •  Last year the tie down strap got loose and the ratched dinged the gel coat several times needing cosmetic repair.
    • The two six volt batteries now six years old were showing signs of deterioation and were replaced.
    • A nagging problem with the water line sliding off the galley faucet was solved (I hope).  A groove was turned on the stem and an O ring inserted and clamped above.  If it comes off now, as the old saying goes... I'll be a monkey's uncle.
    • The barometer needed taken apart and reglued into its housing.
    • Replaced old grungy tennis balls on corners of the solar panel.
    • Replaced several bungee cords on still very good condition stainless ends.
    • Replaced non working remote switch for the macerator pump.
  • Safety equipment
    • Added a small light, whistle and knife to my PFD.
    • Discovered the date on flares expires in September... but will wait to replace till then in hopes of gaining six months.
    • Added a float line to be used on a second throw ring giving one throw with and one without line.