Pro/Con
If you can launch it without having to take the mast down, it saves work.Pros of mast up:Less workLess chance to break things during up/down procesesLeave Boom on, don't have to store it.Pros of mast down:It can support the cover.If you have any rig inspection, maintenance or repairs, you can do them while the mast is down.If you leave it up, leave it tuned so that mast isn't flopping around. Some people will tell you there are unnatural stresses placed on the boat and hull when on the hard. I don't beleive it. Also, they will tell you there is a better chance that the boat my get knocked over. I beleive it, but your boat should do just fine on its trailer. A boat that is properly blocked or on a cradle will do fine, too.When I asked Hunter, they advised leaving the mast up and making sure the boat was secure, on the trailer or cradle was best.Fair winds,Tom