Mast Up or Stowed For Hurricane

[fishheadbarandgrill]

What's the thought on what I should do with the mast on my R29 as I do my Hurricane Dorian preps? Should I stow the mast in the down position or leave it up. TS sustained winds expected with Cat 1 gusts. My gut is that the mast can withstand more dynamic forces in the up position than just relying on the single support arm.

 

[bob daily]

I would think it's designed for at least 60 mph as you head down the road, with mast stowed down.
With it stowed up would depend on how your mast is configured, ie: radar or other items installed?
If it was me I would be more worried about other debris hitting the boat, tree limbs power poles, and water damage from rain and waves, leaving it in the water or on trailer?
Just my thoughts. Anyway, best of luck and stay safe! Bob

 

[dclagett]

I have been thinking about that also. Currently it looks like we may not be close to TS winds where I am, so I plan to leave it up. If I was forecasted to get your winds I would put the mast down and secure it well to the boat. Don’t forget to secure the stays they can do damage flying around.

Good luck, I hope Dorian stays well offshore.

 

[fishheadbarandgrill]

Boat is in her slip.

 

[Scotty Mac]

Fish Head,
We are in Pawleys island and went through two storms last year. I have always kept the mast up, but also made sure the guide wires were tight as they tend to loosen up. We have a R31cb. We strip all canvas, secure all deck gear, double up lines. Knowing we’ll loose shore power we empty fridge and ice make and shut down all power that way the only power on battery is the bulge pumps. We stayed in the slip both storms and the flooding aftermath. Wind wasn’t bad, flooding was the worse.