Taking down the Mast

[Cliff Ruckstuhl]

I am new 28.5 owner and will be taking down the mast for the winter soon. Are there connections at the base of the mast inside the mast for the mast light wireing and the radio antanna????Cliff

 

[Tom Lukas]

28.5 mast stepping

There are connectors for both vhf and lights that disconnect. I wouldn't recommend taking the mast down without some type of crane device. At 33' its not light, although two strong individuals can carry it. tom

 

[Bruce Mulford]

WHy take it down?

My 29.5 gets shrink wrapped with the mast up. They put a brace under the boom end and build a simple fame that mirrors that from the mast forward to the bow. Those two form the ridge for the shrink wrap. I understand that it's better not to take down/put up and more than necessary as that process puts a lot of stress on the rig as compared to leaving it up.

 

[Cliff Ruckstuhl]

Taking the mast down

Mostly cost. Not all marinas have the right hoist to leave the mast up. I have one that will but it is twice the amount as a place that will store it with the mast down. Plus I need to tune the rig as it is badly out of tune.Cliff