mast and towing

C

CaptNHahn

Member
Joined
Dec 18, 2009
Messages
10
Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C (Sterndrive)
Hull Identification Number
FMLT2128G607
Vessel Name
NO WAKE
Can I tow the 21 on the trailer with the mast still on the pilot house?
 
I'm assuming you are referring to the post deck mounted mast, if so remov the two wing nuts and tension cables lower it to the side or front depending on year model secure the cables and mast and you are good to go. With the mast lowered it makes for less thinking while your towing . . . less than 10 ft. clearance.
Bobby I
 
The R-21 or the R-21ec?

If you have the R-21 and know ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY, FOR SURE that there are no clearance issues go ahead.

My (2005) clearance is 16 ft on the trailer, but yours may be more as there's a lot of variation on the mast lenghths over the years). There are no obstructions from my home to the marina (2.5 miles) so I leave mine up. I'd definately lower the mast if I was going anywhere else though. (takes 5 minutes)
If in doubt drop the mast.
 
I know how tot tkae th mast down, its just hard for me to do by myself. Its a 21 foot ranger 2007.
Just wondering about the clearances towing it home. Does anyone know the height I have to clear for wires?
Also, someone told me that the mast will not take the wind at 40 mph.
 
So it's an R-21ec not an R-21, big difference in mast height and type/mounting. But I'm sure it can take more than 40mph (depending on how much more, headwind, and depending on what's mounted to the mast). If in doubt in any way, drop the mast.
In my R-21 (non-ec) situation (2.5 mile tow) the speed limit is max 35, and there are zero wires/cables/bridges/signs etc over the road. And my deck-stepped 11 foot mast has nothing mounted on it except for lights.
 
I'll measure it for sure and then leave it on if I can. Would make life a little easier for me during these hurricane scares in N.C.

Thanks everyone.......this is so helpful.
 
I have a 2008 R-21EC, where the mast drops to the right side of the pilot house. My biggest fear is that while driving, I will get too close to a tree limb or another vehicle and...well, you get the picture. So I just take mine completely off, then when I arrive, I just re-attach the mast. It takes a few minutes, but gives me a piece of mind.

John
 
Hi,

Just wanted to share my experiance...

When my 2009 R-21EC was delivered, the dealer trailered it down from MD, directly to my home. He stowed the mast on the v-birth for the trip. While we were going over the boat, we installed the mast and propped it to the left, opposite of John's '08. Once we looked over the boat and he briefed me on the equipment, we headed off to the ramp for sea trials. Mast stepped for trials and then propped for the drive back. We had absolutely no problems towing with the mast propped to the side.

The next weekend, was pulling out of the drive way and heard something from behind, I looked in the review mirror just in time to see the mast come crashing off the roof, one cable still attached and swinging the mast back to the side of the boat. We were lucky it landed on the rail and didn't damage anything. It was very close to contacting the side window, perhaps one of the hatches on top.

As a result of this, I will not tow my boat with mast in place.

Something else to consider; just about every time we launch/retrieve, there are always on lookers who are very interested in these neet boats. I haven't had to ask for assistance from any of them yet, as always have my first mate with me, but if I find that I do need an extra hand, I'm sure one of the folks at the ramp may be willing to assist just to see the inside.

Good luck,


Bri
 
Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences with the mast. I'll remove it because I really don't want anything to happen.
You TUGNUTS are great people. 🙂
 
Just to echo Rustednail's experience, we caught our laid over mast on a tree limb about four blocks from where we picked her up. You would be much better served to follow the advice of others here and become comfortable with installing and removing the mast. In my opinion, it's only a matter of time before you will suffer a serious setback.

Texas_Steve
 
I too have had issues with raising and lowering the mast each time I go cruising because my R21-EC is kept in my driveway. These include:
-feeble arm strength
-wobbly stance on scupper
-having to step up onto side rail which is not meant to support a short 200 pounder like me
-having to raise mast while underway due to low bridge clearance at marina
-having to get a wrench to loosen/tighten turnbuckles
-having to back the rig under a canopy at home
My solution was to have Bolton Stainless in Vernon, BC make me a 30 inch post with an anchor light atop. It needs no guy wires because it only weighs about 5 pounds and attaches to the fixed base. It accommodates a flag too. I am keeping the original in case I inherit lots of money one day and getting a radar looks feasible. Until then, I think that the mast is too big to handle and I am taking the easy route.

John
 
I would definitely lower my mast and radio antenna before moving my boat. As far as I know, there is no law or regulation that requires a minimum height. I had to raise the telephone and cable TV wires in front of my house so I could get my boat and 5th wheel camper in and out the driveway. (My wife did not like climbing on top of the boat or camper to lift the wires as I drove under them. The things we do to keep our wives happy. 😉 ) An interesting note, my mast (made by Bolton) folds forward. The R25 and R29 I saw at the dealer had the same mast my boat has and they all folded forward.
 
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