Stub mast on cabin roof- ideas for remote lowering arrangement

[trialframe]

I have a Nimbus with a short oval section stainless mast on the cabin roof. It carries the radar, lights & aerials.
I would like to get it modified so that it can be remotely tilted backwards to pass under Weymouth town bridge.
Any suggestions?? Maybe a stainless gas strut and pulley system??

 

[Greg2]

Fairly common to have masts hinged in some way but less common on this type of set-up to have a remote system. Where are you thinking of hinging it? Looking at the picture if the whole mast drops back then the radar will be on its end, making it higher than it normally is. Still lower than the mast of course but it may be better to hinge the mast just above the radar which might make it possible to simply stand on the side deck and lower/raise it by hand. Just some initial thoughts

 

[trialframe]

I was thinking of a joint just above where the radar mounts - to avoid the problem you mentioned. It's too high to access it by hand from the side deck - hence my idea of maybe supporting it with an angled gas strut which would push it back up & hopefully keep it erect after folding.

 

[macnorton]

Convertible cars are fitted with a dc hydraulic pump and cylinders to raise/lower the roof, work well and I have used them on a short hardtop mounted mast before.

 

[PCUK]

A modified windscreen wiper motor - yes seriously. We use them for various projects where an up and down hinged movement is required.