Taking the Y-Knot Martin 16s on the road

1. Make sure that the keel is lowered to a point where its weight is on the trailer bunk rather than being slightly elevated during transport. Then tie a the keel to the bunk to prevent the keel from falling off the trailer bunk or slipping to one side during transport.

2. Check that the trailer winch is holding the boat(s) securely, and that its ratchet is in the proper position to hold the boat securely. Make sure that the trailer ratchet safety chain is secured to the boat.

3. Use two ratchet tie-down straps on each boat to hold the boat on the trailer. The first should go across the boat between the mast step and the splash rail. The second strap goes across the seat portion of the second seat but its location is dictated more by the trailer strap brackets. Make sure the ratchet mechanism itself is not in contact with the boat hull, where it can do damage during transport.

4. Remove the rudder from the rudder bracket by removing its pin AND the bolt that holds the rudder in the rudder bracket. To avoid damage in transit store the rudder in the tow vehicle if possible. Also note that some rudders have a nylon bushing in the rudder where the bolt goes through. Put the bolt back in the rudder with its oversize fender washers to prevent loss of washers or bushing.

5. If you have enough slack in the forestay, the main halyard and the jib halyard, it is possible to lower the mast and rotate it so that one of the spreaders can go down into the cockpit. With adequate cushioning in the cockpit and up on deck near the splash rail and back near back seat, the mast can be tied down securely fore and aft for transport.

You can also detach the mast from the boat entirely by pulling the main and jib halyards out from under the deck, detaching the forestay tension line entirely, detaching the port and starboard shrouds at their chainplates/tangs and securing everything to the mast by wrapping them around the mast and securing them to the mast with rope, bungee cord or tape. It means reinstalling more things at the sailing venue but can make for easier handling of the mast.

6. Secure the boom and the sail bag in the boat so that they will not interfere with the cover. Sails can be carried in the tow vehicle if possible.

7. Each boat should be equipped with a paddle, fenders, PFDs for captain and crew and some form of sponge.

8. If the sailor require specific adaptive equipment, make sure it’s in the boat or the tow vehicle. If the autohelm is required, you’ll need to make sure you have the following items:

• long metal rod and attachment bracket that fits over top of rudder
• actuator (black cylindrical piston)
• battery and properly matched charger
• joystick/sip ‘n puff unit (with mouth control stalk if needed)
• windlass