Removing the mast on an R21EC

[mvanness]

I'm a new owner and considering removing the mast on my 2011 R21EC - If the Garmin is remounted to the roof where the mast was attached I don't feel like I'm losing much (18 inches of height?) except for the hassle of dealing with the set up and take down of the mast - is this foolish? Thanks in anticipation.

 

[Catch22]

This...from another boating forum :

"The NMEA Installation Standards state that a radar antenna should be installed atleast 12" above the heads of boat occupants. A boat with a tower(salt water fishing) is, obviously, a different situation, but you would still not want to mount a radar antenna anywhere close to where an occupant's head is likely to be located.

Although, a 2, 4 or, even 10kw array does not have the power to burn ones skin, it is transmitting radiowaves in the mircrowave spectrum which can damage the delicate components of ones' eyes."

As for the effect on performance, I will defer to someone that might have done this........good luck

 

[bob daily]

The biggest problem with the removal of the mast I would think would be your anchor light, which is required so you'll have to relocate! The search light, which is no big problem. And no place to fly a flag which is great for a quick reference as to which way the wind is blowing when trying to dock. As far as the radars placement IAW recommended procedures? Look at the placement on the R-29's CB
I say customize the boat to your liking, you can always change back later if it doesn't work as you planned. Bob

Just remember the higher the location of the radar the better!

 

[mvanness]

Good points on both the array and relocation of the anchor light - I'll spend some more time on the water before I make such a modification. Also, this TugNut group is really something - so helpful, just like the two of you...very nice, thanks!

 

[TylerFromEverett]

I saw a 21ec with a modified mast that stayed up permanently. It was about 12” tall with radar dome and anchor light mounted atop. Seemed practical but didn’t look nearly as cool. The mast, in my humble opinion, is what makes the 21ec look so darn cool. It can be a pain to put up and down though, especially once you have radar on it.

 

[cstpt]

I don't have a radar dome, so for my use the mast is an overbuilt flag pole and light stand. I left it off last season and used a suction cup all-round light on the chimney stack. That is somewhat less convenient than flipping a switch at the helm, and it does leave you with the issue of storing the mast, which is an awkwardly-shaped bugger. But it saves putting it up and down, and perhaps relieves stress on the roof. The mast is a striking visual element, but IMO the boat still looks plenty good without it. I'm hard pressed to think of another motor vessel that has the aesthetic appeal of a 21EC (or 21, for that matter), with our without the mast.

I'm looking forward to warmer weather and hopefully Covid-killing sunshine.