Need to raise mast higher than the Bimini/dodger.

[JeffJuneau]

I am tired of smacking my head on the mast that is too low and impedes easy entry/exit to the cabin while working on all the maintenance I have going on this fall. I’m sure I saw some posts about adding an extension to the two vertical stainless supports that holds the stern rubber roller for the stored mast. I don’t seem to be able to find it for the 26M. Also, I searched the mods and saw some discussion about this for other non-M models of Macs. I probably just missed it for the "M", but it seems to me there must be standard stainless tube diameters that will allow for an extension to those stainless tubes without adding too much flex to the whole system. The male end of the tube now has a lot of flex as it sits in the female stainless tube. The top horizontal part of the tube has a lot of movement when there isn’t a mast lashed to it now. Also, maybe there is already an off-the-shelf add on extension that I can just install. When referring to one of the earlier Mac Models that uses a single mast stand, a poster from this group (old post I think) expressed concern about increasing total height of the stored mast because the end could be over 12 ft. As far as I can determine, Alaska has a max height of 14 ft vehicle height without a permit (or is it 15 feet?). So I don’t think that is so much of a concern here. We have underground power in the areas I access, and at my house. Anyway, thanks in advance if anyone knows how to locate or can tell me how to fabricate this extension. Jeff

[Russ]

I've seen some mods extending the X mast support. However the M is an arch and as you said, kind of wobbly without a load on it. I mounted my solar panel to it and the weight keeps it from wobbling around.

To keep from banging my head, I take it off the arch and lay it along the side.

You could probably fabricate something to extend it. I bet Jimmy could do it in his sleep.

[Jimmyt]

I've seen some mods extending the X mast support. However the M is an arch and as you said, kind of wobbly without a load on it. I mounted my solar panel to it and the weight keeps it from wobbling around.

To keep from banging my head, I take it off the arch and lay it along the side.

You could probably fabricate something to extend it. I bet Jimmy could do it in his sleep.

Most of my work looks like I was asleep when I did it.

If you are only interested in doing it for maintenance, and don't intend to trailer it that way, I would make a prop stand out of wood, with carpeted feet that straddled the cockpit resting on the seats. Think large saw horse.

If you want to build a new arch, to permanently raise it, that gets into a different kettle of fish. I don't have a tubing bender that will work on thin wall without kinking. I'd miter cut the corners and put gusset plates inside the corners. Basically, I'd duplicate what you have, only make it taller. Making it taller would make me think about bringing in a forward kicker to strengthen the whole mess up, also.

Actually, you could cut the uprights and splice a longer tube to each side, re-using the top piece. That would be simpler than remaking the whole contraption. Do you have access to a fabricator that welds stainless? If so, it's merely a matter of rounding up the tube and negotiating a price. If you go much taller, a diagonal kicker might be wise.

Personally, I'd make a temporary prop for maintenance use. The stock support is flaky enough as-is. Making it taller will only make it worse - especially for long tows, or on rough roads. Not to mention trees at boat ramps or camp grounds, low signs at convenience stores, etc. Just my $.02.

Alternatively, you could do a structural arch like Highlander, and build a condo complex at the stern... (we don't have an emoji for boat envy)...

[dthiesmeyer]

I did this last spring. I raised the mast arch about 12" by extending the legs with SS tubing the same size as the arch using SS tubing that fit perfectly inside. As a plus, I found some split bushings that fit the mounts and took all the slop out of the mast arch. Now there is no movement. If you are interested, I will look for the spare bushings I have and send you the measurements.

Dave

[Jimmyt]

I did this last spring. I raised the mast arch about 12" by extending the legs with SS tubing the same size as the arch using SS tubing that fit perfectly inside. As a plus, I found some split bushings that fit the mounts and took all the slop out of the mast arch. Now there is no movement. If you are interested, I will look for the spare bushings I have and send you the measurements.

Dave

Even better! Way to go Dave!

[JeffJuneau]

Thanks again everyone for all the good ideas. Yes Dave, a one foot extension would be the perfect amount of height to add to my mast support arch. My bimini is screwed directly into the deck so I cant slide it out of the way of the roller on top of the arch. Rght now I have to remove it to mount the mast on the support to transport my boat. We have canvas fabricators here in Juneau that have SS tubing, so I should be able to get any size. I would appreciate any pictures that would help me to see how you built your extension. Also, an image and size of the bushing your mentioned would be a big help. I would think that with thousands of 26Ms out there, I am not the only one interested in extending the arch height. I would think it is okay with folks here if you just posts your design, though I am still new to the forum. Appreciate the help, Jeff

[dthiesmeyer]

The split bushing is a BNC 1" ID x 1 1/8" OD by 1" long. It takes a little force with a wood block and mallet to get it to the correct position. I used 1" OD SS Tubing that matched the arch about 12" to 15" long. I inserted a 7/8" OD tubing by about 12" long inside the mast arch and the extension to make the joint solid. You will need to cut a slice in the side of the 7/8" tubing the full 12" length to allow it to fit inside the 1" OD tubing. I used a blind rivet on each end to secure it in place.

Please let me know if you need any further info. I am really happy with the outcome of this mod.

Dave

[JeffJuneau]

Hi Dave, Thanks for the instructions, and I think your mod will be a good solution for me. It all makes sense except I have never heard of a "blind rivet." But I am sure it will come up in a Google search. Jeff

[Highlander]

I cut two pieces of 1" s/s tubing approx 18-22" long then inserted two 7/8 s/s tubing approx 4" long inside the top ends 2" deep leaving 2" protruding & riveted each one with 3/16" S/S rivets, drilled out the bottom holes in the tubes to match the original bottom hole positions in the original mast crutch
inserted the extensions into the mast crutch lined up & mounted then drilled two 1/4" holes in top of each leg extension where the two 7/8" s/s stubs inserted into the original mast crutch & installed one hitch pin in each so as to prevent them from coming apart this also let me lower the mast & leave the Bimini in the up position, hope this helps u out , after I installed a radar arch I gave the extensions too Beene

J