Trailering & Boat Transport

E.D. Hoyt of Arlington, Virginia describes an unconventional way to transport a Thistle (No. 373) by mounting it on top of a 1949 Chevrolet. Used for two multi-state vacation trips in 1950 and 1951, the method proved practical despite being temporary pending the completion of a conventional trailer.

A technical article describing the dry mooring method used by Cleveland Yachting Club, where Thistles are hauled out of the water on rafts, explaining the advantages for boat maintenance and speed.

Practical advice for storing a Thistle during winter. Covers protection from elements, indoor versus outdoor storage, proper support methods, mast storage, centerboard and rudder care, and preparation for spring launching. Emphasizes that unheated storage is preferable to heated facilities.

Sandy Douglass recommends the Gator Trailer Model 202-1 as an excellent trailer for Thistles. It features special chocks, long springs for a softer ride, and quality bearings.

Practical recommendations for properly storing a Thistle boat during winter months, covering heated vs. unheated storage, water removal, ventilation, block positioning, and outdoor storage precautions to prevent damage from weather and ice.

Discussion of Turnpike Authority regulations concerning maximum overhang measurements for boat trailers, prompted by Sam Merrick's difficulty gaining access to the New Jersey Turnpike. The article quotes specific regulations and provides technical specifications about rear overhang limits.

An article about trailering Thistles to distant sailing locations, describing how the small boat racing schedule enables 400-mile and 1,000-mile trips to various sailing venues. Discusses the advantages and challenges of trailering versus car-top transportation.

Humorous puzzle article about the Cettr, described as a unique transport method for taking Thistles long distances. The authors cleverly describe a cartopping solution using a Cincinnati rig designed to transport boats.

A detailed account of designing and building a special boat-carrying trailer for transporting two Thistles with one car. Describes the construction materials and clever rig design developed for efficient carrying of boats.

Humorous narrative account of trailering a Thistle sailboat from Kansas to Chicago and then to Staten Island for the National Championship, describing the logistics, challenges, and adventures of the journey.

A detailed personal narrative of driving a Thistle sailboat with a trailer from Kansas City to the Nationals, covering approximately 1,500 miles. The account describes challenges encountered en route, including mechanical issues, weather, traffic congestion, and various personal observations about the journey.

Comprehensive article covering the techniques, practices, and practical solutions for trailering Thistle boats, including equipment maintenance, trailer setup, and long-distance travel strategies.

Comprehensive guide to trailering Thistles for long-distance racing. Covers tactics for trailering, trailer maintenance techniques, trailer transformation modifications, buying and selecting trailers, and practical maintenance tips to ensure successful trips to regional and national events.

Continuation of the comprehensive trailering article, with additional practical tips on boat maintenance, equipment selection, and solutions to common trailering problems.

Silk describes effective methods for loading and transporting a sailboat on a trailer, emphasizing the importance of proper padding and securing techniques to avoid damage and allow for easier boat handling.

Advertisement for custom-built Thistle trailers featuring design specifications including tie-down straps, custom openings, and protective weather covering for boat storage and transport.

Comprehensive guide to designing and building a car-top rig for transporting a Thistle sailboat. Provides detailed instructions on constructing a carrier structure, loading procedures, and alternative methods for getting boats from home to regattas.

A detailed technical guide to building and using a cartop rig for transporting a Thistle on a car roof, including materials list, assembly instructions, and loading procedures.

A comprehensive guide to trailering a Thistle, covering bearings, lights, lashings, and various rigging and equipment considerations for safely transporting the boat by trailer.

Peter deManio describes an innovative approach to protecting his Thistle hull by rigging the boat on a trailer with fiberglass, resin, and supports to create a protective covering that can be sailed like a trailer-mounted boat.

Required safety equipment for each Thistle competing in the Nationals, including anchors, life jackets, throwable devices, signaling devices, hand bailers, and paddles.

A letter addressing concerns about fuel shortages and their impact on Thistle sailing. The writer compares the fuel efficiency of VW Dasher wagons for towing Thistles and discusses optimal towing speeds for comfort and efficiency.

Visual guide presenting three photographs illustrating proper trailer safety procedures and equipment maintenance for boat trailers.

An extensive roundtable discussion featuring multiple Thistle experts addressing detailed questions about trailer design, construction, maintenance, and the relative merits of different trailers and support systems for transporting Thistles.

Technical guide on towing Thistles behind other boats, covering proper procedures for setting up a tow line, managing weight distribution, and avoiding common mistakes when towing in different conditions.

Gowans recounts a harrowing cross-country trailering trip from Oak Harbor to Columbia, South Carolina where a trailer failure caused a Thistle to break loose and nearly crash into following vehicles. The article emphasizes the importance of pre-trip trailer maintenance and preparedness for emergencies.

Comprehensive checklist for preparing boat trailers for towing out-of-town regattas, covering frame, wheels, lights, straps, hitch, and double deck trailers.

Zetterberg provides comprehensive guidance on towing techniques for Thistles, including equipment needs, safety considerations, rope specifications, and procedures for safe towing operations at regattas.

Technical advice for maintaining and preparing trailers for regatta transport, covering inspection of lights, hitch security, and various mechanical and safety components.

Donald Graul, who works for Musto in South Carolina, provides technical advice on caring for foul weather gear during winter storage, emphasizing proper cleaning, drying, and storage techniques.

Kevin Doherty shares practical advice on winterizing and storing a Thistle sailboat, emphasizing that proper storage now will make spring launching much easier and more efficient.

Bauman explains winter boat storage strategies for Thistlers in different regions, from year-round sailing in the South to complete winterization in the North. He discusses options including doing maintenance incrementally, hiring professional help, getting a second boat, forming buddy systems for repairs, and other practical approaches to manage the off-season effectively.

Discussion thread from Thistle Class list-serve examining practical solutions for transporting Thistles to regattas, comparing various tow vehicles and trailers with their respective advantages and disadvantages for different sailing situations.

Comprehensive technical guide to selecting and maintaining tow vehicles and trailers for Thistles, covering vehicle power requirements, transmission types, cooling systems, brake selection, weight distribution, and trailer specifications to ensure safe and reliable boat transportation.

Michael Gillum provides detailed guidance on safe boat hoisting procedures, recommending rope slings over cable and double eye-strap arrangements to prevent accidents when using yacht club hoists.

Joe Mccorkell shares practical advice on packing and securing Thistles on trailers, comparing two proven setups: Mike McBride's mast support system using V-rests and bungees, and Doug Laber's mast carrier used by Chris Pollak. The article includes detailed descriptions and photos of both methods to help new Thistlers travel safely to regattas.

Features Jack Finefrock's custom dual-axle trailer design for transporting two Thistle sailboats, built with hot-dipped galvanized steel and featuring innovative cradles and removable mast supports to minimize wreckage during transport.

Chris LaBorde describes his innovative lightweight trailer design using chromolly tubing, weighing only 250 pounds total including bunks. The design prioritizes low weight, low drag, and aerodynamic efficiency to minimize fuel consumption when towing behind a car.

Practical maintenance tips for Thistle trailers covering bearing care, lug bolts, hub caps, hitch receiver rattle, and neighbor recommendations. Arrow shares lessons from past trailer failures and provides resource links.

A brief article describing President Mike Gillum and Dave and Jennifer Keran's strategy of transporting Thistles via double-stacking to and from Midwinters East. The article notes their fuel efficiency experiment, with improved gas mileage on the return trip and plans to add a third boat for future events.

Fitzgerald shares a practical tip for boat owners with trailers in cold climates: adhering small levels to the trailer tongue to ensure proper boat drainage without having to frequently check bailer positioning.

Practical guide for storing Thistles outdoors during winter. The article explains how to build a protective tent using a mast, top cover, and tarp, and addresses methods to prevent moisture, pests, and UV damage to boats during the off-season.

A young sailor's creative DIY project to build a mobile dolly frame for boat storage during COVID-19, using minimal tools and salvaged cradles, enabling her to refinish her Thistle's varnish in her grandparents' garage.

Tom Hubbell shares practical lessons learned from 51 years of trailer mishaps and maintenance. He provides 11 key lessons covering bearing maintenance, securing tie-downs, hitch safety, tire preparation, trailer weight distribution, lights, bearing replacement, and preventive inspection routines. Each lesson is illustrated with real-world failure scenarios and practical solutions to avoid costly roadside disasters.