Masts?

[RArmstrong]

May be a stupid question, but why do trawlers have masts?

 

[dhays]

May be a stupid question, but why do trawlers have masts?

There can be several reasons. Commonly a mast and boom are used as a dinghy hoist, a mounting for radar or antennas, and rarely as a place to rig a steadying sail.

 

[Comodave]

On a previous boat we added a mast to mount the radar and various antennas. We didn’t use it for a hoist but it was great for antennas. We bought a damaged spinnaker pole and had brackets made to mount it.

 

[Gulf Comanche]

Mine is mainly for the paravane stabilizers. Also has the radar dome near the top, and the white anchor light on top. The boom is used to lift the dinghy to its cradle.

 

[markpierce]

There can be several reasons. Commonly a mast and boom are used as a dinghy hoist, a mounting for radar or antennas, and rarely as a place to rig a steadying sail.

Or sails.

 

[lipets]

+1

 

[RArmstrong]

Sailing a trawler? Now that's new to me! But it all seems new to me.

 

[syjos]

For mounting:

Radar.

Anchor light.

Burgees and flags

Appearance. Took mine off when I bought a boathouse along with the paravane poles for height reduction.

After one year without the mast, hollowed the mast for weight reduction, hinged it and put it back on because the boat just didn't look right without it.

 

[ranger58sb]

Sailing a trawler? Now that's new to me! But it all seems new to me.

More for steadying, as in anti-roll (or at least slightly less roll)... not usually all that much for propulsion.

-Chris

 

[AusCan]

My mast is used for (in order of priority)

1. Roll reduction when sails are raised
2. Engine speed reduction when motor sailing
3. Noise reduction when sailing without engine
4. Lifting boom for dinghy
4. Emergency propulsion when engine fails

 

[ranger58sb]

And yours is an actual motor sailer, yes? Not just a trawler with a mast?

The first new boat we almost bought was a 37' motor sailer... Northeast 37 by Mark (Ellis?) if I remember right... very attractive...

-Chris

 

[rgano]

May be a stupid question, but why do trawlers have masts?

THIS is one of the better reasons to have a mast.

 

[ben2go]

THIS is one of the better reasons to have a mast.

Yep, I agree. Those landing lights for that UFO are definitely a must. :lol:


Seriously though, I assume you're referring to the flag staff.

 

[rgano]

That there is phunny, I don't care who you are.

Betcha can't find many boats out there with a true seaman-like gaff at the truck for flying the national flag.