Transporting a Cherub

[Viper6994]

Hi all,

Just wondering if it possible to transport a cherub via a roof rack on a car? I have no tow bar at the moment and am likely to be upgrading my car (2001 fiesta) soon.
Has anyone tried this and do you think it would be possible to do in a car as small as mine?

Regards,

Tye (Desperate to become a cherub owner!)

[Torchy]

I used to cartop my Foreman 6 on a Saab 99 (probably similar size to modern Fiesta)...upright because it had an extended mast post.

Overhang of the mast wasn't too bad but Cherub masts have got bigger, so it depends on the boat.

Weight is not an issue it's just the practical aspects of attaching it safely

[Neil C.]

I used to do it regularly on the roof of a Vauxhall Nova. (Ooerr missus). I found it was easiest to mount the boat the right way up on the 2 roofrack crosseams, then wedge in a length of 2x4 on each side to stop the hull rolling from side to side. Looked a bit comical with the boat "sailing" along upright down the motorway but it worked OK and I was never stopped by the traffic police.  Got some old photos which I would scan and post if some pond-life hadn't stolen my computer.

[Torchy]

I wasn't even as sophisticated as using some 2*4s...just leaned it over to one side and tied it tight...

Yes, it did look funny 'sailing' down the motorway

[Viper6994]

Phew, feel alot better by the whole idea now!
Any damage to report from just propping it on the bars?

Im looking to get myself a good machine and setting up a fleet at stone sc in essex

[dave_ching]

when I used to rooftop a moth a springer from the forestay to the loop under the front bumper stopped a lot of the bouncing.

[Neil C.]

I agree Dave. In fact we used to put a springer on the back end as well and also a line from the stem fitting, down both sides of the boat to the ends of the rear roofrack cross beam to stop the whole boat moving forwards under heavy braking. And a red rag on both ends of the mast.

[Torchy]

Yes , agree...tying each end down was vital

[JimC]

do you think it would be possible to do in a car as small as mine?

If you don't get the image go to Bloodaxe boats www.bloodaxeboats.co.uk and select About, and then A Class Cat
I've roof racked a Cherub on a Hillman Imp... The boat overhung the carboth sides and both ends.

[Tim Noyce]

Never knew you were a former Imp driver Jim, one of my dream cars that! Apparently the best handling 'mod' was to put a bag of cement in the front to stop it understeering so badly?!

[roland_trim]

Tye,
Where are you thinking of collecting from/based?

If we can help you get boats form A-B and getyou sailing then we will.
On a similar note adding a tow bar to the Fiesta is sub £100 cheap, quick and completely reversable :-)

Feel free to PM...

[Viper6994]

Trying to buy Suicide Blonde, tho the guy has not got back to me since discussing transport...So would be Wrexum to essex, to be honest id be happy doing this on the roof if the seller was not willing to deliver although we were discussing price the last time he emailed so we will have to see!

[Graham Bridle]

Tye,

I am Essex based (Brightlingsea, sometimes !) - give me a call  and lets have a chat and sort something out

Graham

[Neil C.]

If somebody offers to tow for you Tye I would jump at the chance. Although it's not impossible to roofrack a Cherub, it is a bit dodgy. Also, the extra hull beam and mast length compared to when we were doing it 20 years ago might be a serious issue.

[Viper6994]

Of course thankyou all for the support, if and when I can get hold of a boat I aim to be doing the national open scene so will make arrangements for better transport. Just trying to do it all one step at a time!