Now I can better explain why
we have this not very attractive wooden crutch in our cockpit…
For our ‘Little Loop‘ adventure this summer
we will have to keep the mast lowered for a portion of the trip
due to low bridges and some lock restrictions.
Two issues:
1. Restricted head room in the cockpit for my six foot Captain.
2. We wouldn’t be able to install the canvas.
(foul weather and those dreaded mosquitoes
that apparently love nibbling on the Anglophones could be issues)
We asked Stephane at Metaltra to make us an extension for the stern mast support…
He came up with the perfect solution,
a 23″ stainless steel pipe with a galvanized steel insert
that fits perfectly into the existing extension.
…an extra 23″ that will allow us or rather
Captain François to be able to stand up in the cockpit comfortably.
…it fits perfectly into the existing support…
…elevating the lowered mast…
…and can easily be removed and stored below for trailering position….
…another bonus is being able to install the bimini and dodger…
…ugly wooden crutch all gone…
…Just one more of the Captain’s creations
to make our life onboard more comfortable.
The mast height at the Stern in ‘trailering position’ is 10 feet or 3.04 meters from ground level when on trailer, or 7 feet 4 inches or 2.23 meters from the waterline when on water. With the 23 inches mast extension in ‘Cruising position’, it is at 12 feet 3 inches or 3.73 meters from ground level, when on a trailer or 9 feet 7 inches or 2.92 meters from the waterline when on water.