Travelling with Your GP14

Pre-Trip Preparation

Trailer and Equipment Check

Inspect tyres (including the spare), bearings, and lighting board before packing up
Grease hubs and make sure wheels spin freely
Check trailer electrics — most trailer boards don't have reversing lights
Carry a spare wheel, jack, and tools in case of roadside maintenance
Verify the nose weight (around 5–7% of total load) for stable towing

Note: A 13-pin connector includes the reversing circuit. An older 12N system needs an additional 12S plug for that circuit.

Packing the Boat

Inside the Boat

Stow loose gear so it can't move around or cause damage

Rudder: Ideally in a cushioned bag, can lie in the bottom of the boat or travel in the car

Boom: Rest on the thwart, cushioned with sponge or padding

• Pull it down at the forward end with shock cord or the Cunningham control
• Secure the aft end snugly under the cockpit crossbeam

Equipment: Keep spinnaker pole, oars, and masthead buoyancy tied or clipped in place

Sails: Pack in their bags; avoid leaving the mainsail on the boom

Boat Covers

Best for Towing

A flat or trailer cover (no mast slot) is best — it avoids wind lift

Avoid

A dinghy-park over-boom cover is not ideal for highway speeds

Options: Some owners use a full "cocoon" cover; others prefer an under-cover and top-cover combination. The underside can stay uncovered if conditions are dry — it will only pick up light dirt.

Securing the Boat to the Trailer

Key Steps

1 For a trolley/trailer combination, fit the trolley correctly, lift out the locating pin, then refit it once seated
2 Lash the boat amidships and again at the forward cradle
3 Ratchet straps are quicker, safer, and kinder to the hull than rope
4 Use padding (carpet offcuts, foam, or mats) between straps and hull
5 Keep all metal parts clear of gelcoat

Prevent Forward Movement

Ensure the bow snubber stops the boat sliding forward when braking

Prevent Aft Movement

Tie a painter to the trailer axle or secure a short line diagonally aft

Lighting Board: Attach to the pintles or gudgeons, with padding to protect the transom

Securing the Mast

When de-rigging, tie halyards and shrouds neatly to the mast using shock cord or Velcro straps (avoid tape)
Ensure you untie everything before stepping the mast again!
Lift the mast onto the trailer supports and secure both ends
Add a light lashing near the spreaders to stop lateral whipping — a soft strap is ideal
Connect and test trailer lights before departure

On the Road

Driving Tips

• Allow for extra length and weight — take wider turns
• Drive smoothly; avoid harsh braking or acceleration
• Stop every 1–2 hours to check straps, tyre heat, and lights
• Trailers cannot use the outside motorway lane

UK Legal Towing Limits

50 mph on single carriageways
60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways
Never exceed tyre speed ratings (usually 62 mph max)

Arriving and Unloading

1 Park on level ground
2 Remove cover and inspect for transit movement or damage
3 Re-fit rigging and sails methodically using your tuning notes
4 Recheck shrouds, halyards, and control lines before launching
5 Verify local launching procedures or rinse areas if sailing in salt water

After Sailing and Return Trip

Rinse salt and mud from hull, trolley, and trailer with fresh water

Let sails, lines, and covers dry completely before packing

Drain any water from hull compartments

If storing long-term, lift trailer on blocks to avoid tyre flat-spots

Recommended Equipment for Travel

Item	Use
Mast supports with padding	Prevents mast whip and hull stress
Ratchet straps (with padding)	Quick, secure tie-down
Lighting board & reflectors	Legal requirement
Spare wheel, grease, bearings	Essential for long trips
Waterproof flat cover	Reduces drag and keeps interior clean
Shock cord or Velcro straps	Secures halyards and shrouds neatly

Long-Distance & International Travel

Check local towing laws, speed limits, and lighting standards
Ensure insurance covers international towing
Carry boat registration documents and insurance certificate
Use the correct plug adapter for lighting boards (EU = 13-pin)
For high-value or race boats, consider temporary import documentation (Carnet ATA)

Cruising & Extended Trips

Plan routes with tides, currents, and landing points in mind
Use reefing sails or smaller headsails for safety
Keep positive buoyancy in all tanks and mast float fitted if sailing offshore
Carry maps, compass, flares, and safety kit

For GP14 cruising, consult the Association's cruising pages for detailed guidance and route suggestions.

Key Takeaways

Preparation prevents damage

Tyres, bearings, and straps are your best defence

Use proper covers

Reduces wind resistance and spray

Secure, pad, and recheck

Protects hull and fittings

Know speed and towing laws

Keeps your trip safe and legal

Travel with confidence

GP14s are built tough — your care keeps them that way

Community & Support

The GP14 Association runs travelling and cruising support programmes. If your club would like a trailering or setup workshop, contact the Association office — experienced members like Chris and Gill Beddow often visit clubs to share advice.

GP14 sailors are known for helping each other — on and off the water.