Bob,

I can tell you what I do. Most of this comes from what John Olin showed me when I helped him finish the boat in Chaska. The only variation is the way I turn the frame singlehanded. It would be interesting to see if anybody else responds with a differing proceedure. We all might learn something. Actually, I was hoping that someone else might go first!

1. Take down mast and get it out of the way (hopefully you have an A- Frame gin pole).

2. Take off tramps and seats. Remove motor, anchor, or whatever else you have hanging off her.

3. Disconnect water stays.

4. Remove outriggers. For this you need:
(i) Two of the white folding two-step step ladders that stand 39 inches high when unfolded that are easily found in the big box department stores. Get two U-shaped brackets with threaded ends that are a little bigger than the cross-sectional area of a 2x4. Drill holes in top frames of step ladders and bolt one of these brackets into the top of each step ladder ? have the bracket hanging beneath the top frame on one ladder and standing above the top frame on the other ladder.
(ii) Two, 8-foot 2x4s.

Make two ramps beneath the outrigger to be removed using step ladders and 2x4s ? each one roughly under the outrigger pillars. The step ladder with the bracket fixed above the top frame is for the fwd end of the outrigger, and the one with the bracket hung beneath the top frame is for the aft end of the outrigger. To do this, slide each 2x4 through the ladder brackets and lash one end to the trailer bunk where the outrigger will in the end be pushed home. Slide the step ladder along the 2x4 to set the outboard height of the ramp. This is a one-man operation if set up as described, but easier with two. The idea is to set the ramps up to allow each pillar to slide out of the trimaran frame bracket and rest on the ramp. Then you push them along the ramp into the trailer bunks. Everything lines up nicely with the Easyloader trailer and bunk system that came with my boat. If you have something different then you will have to take some measurements to see if what I am describing will work for you.

5. The main trimaran frame will have to be turned 90 degrees so that one fore'n aft outboard pipe rests against the stemhead cleat and the other fore'n aft pipe rests in the moulded slot at the aft end of the cockpit (this is the slot that houses the aft cross frame when she is set up for sailing). Unbolt/unlash main trimaran frame but leave enough turns on one of the aft lashings to prevent the frame from moving before you are in position to turn it. You can remove rudder and/or tiller before turning the main frame to keep it from getting in the way but it's not necessary.

6. It is easiest if you have two people to turn the frame, but I can tell you how I do it alone. Get those two 8-foot 2x4s and take them up into the cockpit with you. Slip them under the inner fore'n aft frame pipes. Shift them around to position them side-by-side at the balance point so that when you lift up on them the weight of the frame is balanced. Lash them on one side to prevent the frame sliding off the 2x4s while you turn the frame. You leave one side free because you will have to re-shift a bit to get the balance right when you pick the whole thing up. So, when ready, wait for a lull in the wind then pick it up and turn ? easy does it. After the turn the 2x4s are resting fore'n aft on the moulded frame slots. If you have the two 2x4s side-by-side the base they provide will be sufficient to keep the frame from tipping off before you work the 2x4s out from underneath ? but you still have to be pretty careful.

7. Next, you will have to push the frame ahead to the final position mentioned above. I pre-position carpet runners along the cabin tops so the frame slides easily without marring the finish. Also, you will have to come up with a short piece of wood or something to cushion the pipe frame against the stemhead cleat. Whatever it is, it will have to allow the pipe at the other end to rest in the moulded slot described above.

8. Tie everything off. The stoutest rope needs to be holding the boat down to the trailer by the trailer axel. After you drive a short ways, stop and re-check all the tensions.

Ray Schrempf
Georgian Bay