Trailering Wave Mast - 1 or 2 piece

Okay, looking for some help from this great forum. I have been trailering my Hobie Wave with the mast in two pieces across the tramp for several years now. My trailer does has the front mast support but I have been nervous with the stress and strain on the mast while trailering. And how do you secure the aft part of the mast on the cross bar between the two rudders Should I continue to leave the mast in two pieces or go for it and leave the mast in two pieces and just keep using old life preservers as padding on the cross bars. Thanks Wavers.

I was nervous about that too but so far there has been no issues trailering the mast in 1-piece. Since the mast is oval'ish, I do ensure that the longer cross-section is vertical, because that will be stronger.

To secure the mast to the aft crossbar, I bought the thickest pool noodle I could find at Walmart, which turns out to be shaped like a star and sits pretty well on the crossbar. I cut about 12" of noodle and use two tiny bungie cords to stop it falling off while I position the mast on it. Then I use two of those black rubber type bungie cords and wrap each around the mast and cross-bar, hooking them to the tramp laces. I use two for added security. If the noodle starts to look too squished after a number of trips, I just cut a new 12" section. It seems to last pretty well.

I'm sure a PFD would work too.

I would take a picture for you, but I'm stuck on the couch with an injured foot

I've always trail'd the mast as a single piece - without any problems. I have a Trailex trailer with a mast support up front. I added some additional rubber to the mast support V for cushioning. At the rear I've used the Hobie mast carrier that sits on the rear crossbar (with a traveler) and holds the mast and carrier bunged to the rear crossbar.

I position the mast with the Hobie Bob about flush with the rear of the hulls (rudders stored in the sail box). The mast is correctly oriented to 'step' when you arrive. Much quicker than towing in two pieces and much 'kinder' to the crossbars.......no scratching and less effort to bungy for trailing.

bill

I put padded cradles on my trailer so the two mast pieces go underneath the trampoline and get tied down. It makes a nice tidy little package that doesn't stick out past the boat or up over the car.