Removing the Mast From C 28

I am considering removing the mast from my C 28. I will never use the radar or TV antenna. I would install a new 360 running/anchor light. I am thinking of doing this for several reasons:

1. lower height of the boat for low bridge clearance
2. eliminate shadows on the solar panel
3. move the solar panel aft so I can open the forward hatches in the cabin top
4. lower the weight of the cabin top

Anybody have a reason why I shouldn't do this? I would, of course, store the mast and attachments in case the next owner would want to re-install them.

Mark
C 28 MOJO
Annapolis, MD

I can't imagine not having radar and TV antenna. We use both and I think of the radar as one of my safety items onboard. That said, I would not remove them. My opinion.

If you don't want these items as equipment on your boat. Removing them would give you the benefit of decreasing your air draft when removing the mast. The removal of the dome would increase the efficiency of your solar panel. For your use it sounds like you would benefit from removing the mast. What works for you doesn't work for me but that doesn't mean it is right or wrong. Do it, if you ever find the need to reinstall you can.

Like in the previous comment, it wouldn't make sense for us. Do keep all the parts in case you sell the boat, I would think most people would want radar.

After going through the pain of adding a 3' 2nd VHF antenna to the mast (on one of the horizontal mounting areas) and running the coax cable down in the mast and into the interior, I would strongly suggest against it.

One key issue is what you are going to do with all of the cabling after the mast is off. The antennas and radar all seem to be hard wired into the interior and to the electronics, a normal marine installation technique that has always driven me crazy. If you just chop them all off and remove them, you are going to have to waterproof the cable entry, and good luck ever re- splicing or re-installing them. Having those missing will likely also have an impact on your re-sale value.

I would never consider removing my radar, it has come in very handy. So does the TV, if for nothing else to watch the evening local forecast for a quick (but hopefully not the only) snapshot of tomorrow's weather.

Strongly suggest you get used to them being there.

So the consensus is to leave well enough alone. I appreciate the responses. Thanks. How about this? I'll just fold it down to reduce the shadow on the solar panel. This is, by the way, a great forum full of very experienced and knowledgeable boaters.

Mark
C 28 - MOJO
Annapolis, MD.

I have a CW30CB. I found a marina with a covered slip, but unless I went through the cumbersome process of lowering the mast every time I returned to the marina it would not fit, so I cut the mast down significantly and lowered the height of the radar mount. I can now fit in the berth with no problem. The reduced height on the radar mast did not degrade radar performance, so the only restriction is I cannot use the Command Bridge with the radar on. Otherwise height is no longer and issue.