Careening a FS off the trailer

Submitted by bonnysmith on Mon, 06/11/2007 - 18:26
Hi, I am restoring FS381 and am ready to paint the bottom and water line. I would like to take it off the trailer, step the mast and tip it on it's side to do the work. Can anyone give me instructions on the safest way to accomplish this? Unfortunately, its not on a tilt trailer so that may make it more difficult. Thanks. Bonny BA Smith
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Comments

Lifting bridle + backhoe = Scot on grass.

Submitted by sawyerspadre on Mon, 06/11/2007 - 22:54.
Lifting bridle + backhoe = Scot on grass. I put the mast up first, on the trailer. I have also heard of "launching" the boat onto the grass, but the folks I have heard of doing this all had tilt trailers, as far as I know. Seems like it would work. I am considering to do some small repairs on the leading edge of the centerboard. Have fun, Phil Scheetz FS 4086

Phil Scheetz

FS 4086

Fleet 163, Nockamixon Sail Club

I've slid my Scot off a tilting trailer onto grass and back agai

Submitted by phebejim on Sun, 06/17/2007 - 20:44.
I've slid my Scot off a tilting trailer onto grass and back again for the same purpose. I've also careened my boat on a beach to clean the bottom---very easy. Be sure to firmly attach a heavy object to the mast head once the boat is over---keeps it from popping back up prematurely. The centerboard can be removed easily when the boat is in the water using a halyard. I think the technique is described in Highlights.

I've done this many times off non-tilt trailers, both the older

Submitted by bobnew on Fri, 06/22/2007 - 09:14.
I've done this many times off non-tilt trailers, both the older high trailers and the newer low aluminum trailer. 1. Select an area of soft lawn, preferably with a tree or post within 10 feet of where the stern will be. 2. Step the mast and tighten the rig using the jib halyard to the bow eye or the jib tack fitting. 3. Place a cushion under the stern where it will hit the ground. 4. Tie a stout line from both stern rings around the tree. Tighten this line. 5. Release the winch line and raise the front of the trailer slightly while pulling it forward. The stern line will get the boat started off the trailer. When the stern will hit the ground, lever the trailer and pull to complete the slide off. 6. The back roller braces may tend to dig into the ground, so constant levering is needed. Take care that the trailer is not allowed to spring up and hit you in this process. The boat will eventually come off and sit nicely on the ground. To roll the boat, place several cushions or a folded quilt about 18" away from the boat along the side you are going to roll toward. This is for the rail to rest on. Tie a long line in a loose loop around the mast. Hook the main halyard to this loop and crank it up to the shroud attachment. Lock the winch... back away from the boat and pull it over. Place a weight on the top of the mast to keep it on the ground. Getting the boat back on the trailer is reverse of the off-loading. Release the tree line. Put the end roller under the bow, connect the winch and crank while levering the trailer to keep it from digging into the ground. Bob New FS 5143 Merritt Island Florida Fleet Captain Fleet 179

Hi Bob, Thanks so much for this step by step instruction.

Submitted by bonnysmith on Fri, 06/22/2007 - 22:06.
Hi Bob, Thanks so much for this step by step instruction. We're going to attempt this next week. I'll let you know how we make out. Bonny FS381 Quannapowitt Yacht Club Wakefield, MA

Well, the boat slid off and on the trailer with a little help fr

Submitted by bonnysmith on Wed, 07/18/2007 - 21:28.
Well, the boat slid off and on the trailer with a little help from my husband and two sons. It was amazingly easy. After about 2 years of working on restoring her, FS381 will be launched this weekend. Thanks to all those who responded to my posts. BA Smith FS381