Upgrading 2008 R25 mast

[NorthernFocus]

What does it take to upgrade the side fold mast design to the forward folding design?

 

[Kenny Marrs]

With your model boat the forward folding mast design isn't possible due to mold changes in our current models.

 

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Commander Ed]

Kenny, is your answer also true for a 2009 model?

 

[Kenny Marrs]

Yes.

 

[Rodeo]

I am sure that our 2009 R25 has the forward folding mast, did the mold change part way through the production run of 2009 boats?

 

[Captain Steve]

I have a 2009 25 and the mast fold forward....

 

[Kenny Marrs]

2009 was right when we were making the change. If your boat has a forward folding mast all the necessary changes have been made to your boat to accommodate the mast.

 

[NorthernFocus]

Well, this past season I finally reached my last straw with the mast. Or more specifically the mast stays. So at the end of the season I remounted the radar directly to the cabin roof on a Seaview 10in. forward leaning mount. I then cut the radar mount off of the mast and removed the stays. In this configuration the radar dome is in almost the exact same fore/aft position as it was when on the mast and only a couple of inches lower. And without the weight of the radome on it the mast no longer needs the stays so is very easy to set up. Also now rather than folding it to the side and attaching the brace I simply unplug the mast light wiring from the front of the stack, remove the mast, and secure it down in the cockpit for trailering.

So I now have the best of both worlds. No PITA stays, quick set up/take down, and still have the classic looking mast that everyone is so fond of. When the mast is up you really have to look twice to see any difference from the original appearance. If I'd known how easy this mod was going to be I'd have done it a long time ago. Total cost was under $250 for the Seaview mount, assorted ss fasteners, and a tube of 4200. Sorry I don't have any photos but as soon as I was done with the mod I had to cover the boat for winter before heading out of town.

 

[Favunclerich]

Can you post some pictures? What is the trailering height now versus before?

 

[NorthernFocus]

Can you post some pictures?

Sorry no pics available. The boat is in a spot where I couldn't get an overall shot of it and now it is covered with a tarp. The only pics I have are of what was under the stack and cabin top "cap" where the cables run.

What is the trailering height now versus before?

No exact measurement but it is a couple of inches lower with the mast removed. With the mast folded and supported in the original position there's no difference as the highest point is the yardarm on the mast.

 

[captstu]

I upgraded the mast on my 2010 R25 into the attic. The spotlight was replaced with a non-glaring hand held and the radar was bolted where the mast was.

Now I go under bridges I used to have to request opening and wait.

Yet to have anyone stop me and say, "Your tug would look so much better with a mast".

 

[NorthernFocus]

I upgraded the mast on my 2010 R25 into the attic...Yet to have anyone stop me and say, "Your tug would look so much better with a mast".

😀
Where did you mount your anchor/nav light? I was actually going to replace the mast by mounting the light on a fiberglass antenna extension on a folding mount. But that was yet more $$$ so I just modified the mast and kept it.

 

[captstu]

My Boat now has the anchor light on a hinged post on top of the “stack”. It looks natural up there.


Stuart Bell
Ranger 25: Shearwater
(561) 352-1796