I'm looking for a place to purchase a mast cradle for my Prindle 18. I've checked Murray's but it appears that they only stock it for Hobie. Does anyone know of a source to buy this part? Thanks in advance.
One note about the PVC pipe... if you look at the lower left image you can see it there is a slight angle the base part of the pipe. this seemed critical for my setup.. i have also tried to extend the base by a few inches to get the mast higher (not scratching my spin pole/bag) but i could not get that to work, even with angle cuts etc...
The one for the Hobie 14/16 will work on a Prindle. It isn't an exact fit, but it is clese enough. I use mine on any boat. It is the white fiberglass one that has the V in the middle and two pegs sticking out.
Dan, Thanks for the insight. I've seen the caddies for Hobies. Good to know that it will work on my Prindle. Thanks for taking the time to reply. Much appreciated!
Kind of cool...
IMHO -DO NOT USE BUNGEE TO TIE DOWN YOUR MAST... I have had a mast ripped off the trailer and hit a parked car when it hit a low lying branch... where i sail, we have had a mast LANCE a car and KILL the driver (not due to a bungee, but to illustrate how important it is to secure your mast)... i strongly suggest you learn a few knots and tie down your mast.... bungee is not a good way to secure a mast... or wheels, or boat... or ....
In the pics above all you see is a 5mm line with a rolling hitch.. that is secured around the dolphin stiker. The front of the mast is tightly secured with the forestay wrapped around my spin pole....
Andrew,do you trailer with the bows to the back? It looks like in the pictures the mast cradle is sitting on the front beam on the mast step. Or maybe I'm just not seeing clearly. Could you make an album in the "Beachcats Technical" and post full size pictures?
I like how you embedded the rubber piece into the PVC.
Andrew,do you trailer with the bows to the back? - Yes, transoms are closest to my car
It looks like in the pictures the mast cradle is sitting on the front beam on the mast step. - you are correct, the trailer yoke holds up the other end.
Could you make an album in the "Beachcats Technical" and post full size pictures? - sure
I like how you embedded the rubber piece into the PVC. - I know, genius!!!! Say it Damon!
I wouldn't use bungee or any other elastic cord to secure something. It's elastic. DUH! It will allow for movement during transit. I was simply suggesting the actual cradle.
I tried towels & life jackets, the fancy Murray's thing, and even PVC pieces cut with slots. After all of them exhibited shortcomings, I have switched to a wooden thing I make myself. Basically 10"x10"x2" piece of treated wood, with rods/dowels to keep it on traveler and keep mast on it.
Make a piece of 2" thick treated wood about 10"x10".
Make 4 pieces of 1"x1" treated wood about 10" long.
Place the large piece between mast and traveler track. laying flat. Position two of the small pieces under the large piece, parallel with traveler track, one in front of track, one behind track. Mark the location, and then fasten them to large piece. This will keep large piece from sliding forward or back.
Position remaining two small pieces on top of large piece, parallel to mast. mark their location, then fasten them to large piece. This will hold mast in place on the large piece.
Cover wood with carpet topside,and and maybe bottom side.
Tie mast to rear beam with your wood piece between.
Pro - cheap, can be easily shaped to whatever angle and position you need. Easy to re-make when you lose it. Won't get stolen. It floats. Low tech.
Con - doesn't match your gelcoat or sail colors. Not made of carbon like your hulls. Won't earn you reward points @ Murrays. Low tech.
Andrew,...I like how you embedded the rubber piece into the PVC.
Andrew can't tell you how he did it because he did not make the cradle, I did. He didn't think I read this site and claimed credit for its design. That DOG!!!
I cut a square in the PVC with a Dremel type of roto-zip tool. I fine tuned the hole with a very coarse wood rasp until the square just barely squeezed in, then pounded it in with a rubber mallet. Only friction holds it in. This little gem works great on a Mystere mast ball and beam but does not fit well (yet) on a Nacra. The base must be curved to match the beam on the Nacra. I'm back to using a folded towel.
Yes, nearly all of the solo boats on Dunedin are trailered sterns first for easy solo stepping. I have lots of photos if you need them but you can probably figure it out.
Andrew can't tell you how he did it because he did not make the cradle, I did. He didn't think I read this site and claimed credit for its design. That DOG!!!
OHY! would you stop stalking me!!! lol
Yes, DP created it.. .i had originally put that in the text but didnt think it was needed copy... ALL BOW TO DP!!!