Need help fixing mast step for m25

[Beachdaman]

I picked up an 80’s m25 that was missing its mast step. I picked up parts for a step mast from my local yacht parts place. But it doesnt quite fit. So Im curious if its better to shim it or cut the mast bottom an inch and redrill holes for the mast plate bolts?

also, if anyone has the correct step system I would be happy to buy it.

Any other input is welcome. Thanks in advance.

[Russ]

Is this the step for your boat?

https://shop.bwyachts.com/category-s/28 ... =30&page=2

[Beachdaman]

That looks like it would match the holes in place. does it have a hinged plate to attach to the mast?

[Russ]

That looks like it would match the holes in place. does it have a hinged plate to attach to the mast?

Call Blue Water Yachts and they can help you with parts. 206-282-4261

[Beachdaman]

Thanks< i'll ring them today.

[Maraquita]

No, the 25 did not have a hinged plate (at least not the early ones like mine). A bolt went through the bottom of the mast and into the slot on the fitting shown in the picture. You don't tighten the nut until the mast is raised and the forestay pinned. This allows enough movement and slack to let everything move around and "settle In" as you lift the mast.

[Wyb2]

My 25 (1986) has something that could be called a hinged mast step. There is a ‘foot’ plate that stays attached to the mast, and a slightly wider ‘step’ plate that stays attached to the deck. A single 3/8” by maybe 4” long bolt connects the two plates and forms a hinge.

I see the foot on the BWY store, but I don’t see the style step plate that my boat has.

I can get some pictures for reference.

[Justpics]

that's what mine has, but its not slotted. foot stays bolted to the mast. align the hols at the base, now it will pivot up acting as a hinge.

[Maraquita]

That sounds like what my (newer) 26D has. You might check at BWY under the 26 Classics section. Yours may have been upgraded at some point

[Maraquita]

But, I'm forgetting your original question! if you can use what you have, i think you'd be better off shimming it to fit. If you cut even an inch off of the mast you are probably not going to be able to adjust the tension of the forestay and side stays far enough to make up the difference. Then you would wind up replacing them also, and with custom made ones, at that.

[Beachdaman]

I shimmed it with .25 aluminum. Seems very sturdy. We’ll see when I raise it

[Wyb2]

I probably would have tried slotting the holes in the mast first, but honestly I think that shim is probably a better solution.

For reference, here is what is on my 25. You can see where the mast bears on the foot and where the foot bears on the step (note the “U” around the bolt head).

[Beachdaman]

Thanks for the pics