R21 Classic . trailering with mast up

[LAKERtoo]

.. I'd like to get the boat measured up for a bimini while in the driveway, which means having the mast and boom in place .. will there be any problem trailering a short distance ( 20 minutes) on a paved road with no clearance issues without dismantling ,, Thx for any comment .. Rob

 

[SGIDAVE]

.. I'd like to get the boat measured up for a bimini while in the driveway, which means having the mast and boom in place .. will there be any problem trailering a short distance ( 20 minutes) on a paved road with no clearance issues without dismantling ,, Thx for any comment .. Rob

Hello Rob,

My boat is a 21EC so lacks the traditional steadying sail mast that your boat has. The folding mast atop my pilothouse is solid and stable at BOAT speeds but I would not trail MY boat with the SS mast up. I'm guessing the top of my pilot house would be SEVERELY damaged if the stainless mast struck anything at trailering speed.

Hopefully someone with a 21 will post a reply...I would GUESS that the mast on your boat is solid enough to be fine for a short ride like that.

Watch for bridges! 😉

dave

 

[tlkenyon]

I have a 21 Classic. We trailer it all the time with the mast up - more than once a few hundred miles at 65+ mph. The biggest concern is low-hanging trees and gas-station canopies. You just gotta keep a good eye out. In the up position it is about 13 feet high, which is less than the 13-6 max for trailers.

I make sure that everything is taut and well-tied-off. I think the stress is less in the up position than it is laying down in the cockpit and trying to cushion it to keep it from banging around.

Safe travels.....

TK

 

[Stevan47]

Hi Rob, et al: My R21-EC is a 2009 model, with the s/s mast. Not sure how this differs from your Classic model. Personally, I am not keen to tow with the mast up, as I believe it may cause some undue stress (from whip action) on the base plate mounting screws and possibly damage the roof capping around the edges, resulting in dislodging of the securing screws. I n any case, I only have to tow for about 15 minutes to the nearest launching ramp, and while there are no overhanging branches/power lines, etc, I just do not feel comfortable with the mast erected. For information, the s/s mast support which comes with the boat is fine for supporting the mast in the f'rd collapsed position, but I have designed and fitted an additional custom support which centrally supports the mast more efficiently when collapsed for towing. Hope this helps with your enquiry. Stevan

 

[tlkenyon]

The 21 Classic mast is entirely different from the EC mast. The Classic mast is stepped on the cockpit sole and has a forestay and side-stays. The rigging for the boom serves as a backstay. There is no mounting plate on the cabin-top. The issue for trailering with the mast up or down is completely different for the two types of mast. Just an FYI....

 

[Tug4Two]

Just replaced the anchor light on the mast of our 2005 classic R21, wait for it... For the third time. The last time was indeed the charm; no more trailering with the mast up for me. Of course, your mileage may vary...

 

[tlkenyon]

I got some catching up to do...only on my second masthead light....

...safe travels.

 

[LAKERtoo]

.. made it out to the lake ( 15 minutes) .. the radio antennae on top of the mast did a little bush-waking on overhead maples, but did clear the telephone lines and over head bridge .. but I suspect that a highway RCMP would have pulled us over ... !! .. I think I'll lay it down next time ..