[amostad]

I am considering buying a 423 Classico with a hinged mast. My boat house requires that I drop the mast due to height limits. Does anyone have photos or drawings on how one actually drops the mast. Is it too heavy with the radar for one person to lower by hand assuming you had a rod mounted part way up the mast that can pivot as you lower it? Thanks for the ideas.

[geologydave]

I realize that this is an old question but thought I would respond with my experience. Standing on the flybridge I used a .5" line tied to the radar mount and lowered it that way by myself to some timber blocks I stacked on the lazerette to rest the mast in a horizontal position. My radar is an open array furuno. I was not easy but not impossible. I would suggest that you might want to be at least 200lbs and have somewhat above average upper body strength.

Like all things on this planet, it is a bit more difficult going down than up. I suggest it is a two man operation, to be on the safe side. Probably using a ratchet winch of some type would be the smart way to do it alone.

Regards

[amostad]

Thanks, Geologydave. I found the solution. I used two 125 pound gas pistions like you would see on a stationwagon back window. I can now raise or lower the mast with one arm. I just had to add mounting plates and backing on the mast sections to mount the pistons to. If you care to contact me, I can provide photos of the finished project. amostad mostad@mostad.com

[geologydave]

I would love to see a photo. Much more elegant solution than my caveman approach. can you post the photo here?

regards