One step forward….

[Chumpy36]

I’m finally getting back to working on the boat, as it is cooled off here in Atlanta a bit. Have a bunch of goodies from Bluewater one of which is the baby stays retrofit I was just about to start working on that but decided I needed to replace the mass step with the new hinged version that they sent me because they said that would work better with the updated mast raising system. but I’ve of course run into another problem. The original slotted mast step was mounted on what looks to be a synthetic piece of 2 x 4 and I don’t believe that that was original to the boat from the factory. Please see pics.


The new hinged mast plate has a lower plate that attaches to the boat but the holes don’t lineup. I can drill new holes but I’m wondering a couple of things…

Should I mount the bottom step through one of the existing holes and then drill three new ones knowing that might be a tiny bit off-center or should I guesstimate the location of the entire mast step and drill for new holes?

Also, what’s the best way to seal up the previous holes? It doesn’t look like they will be visible when the step is on

As always, thanks for the help

[Stickinthemud57]

Bondo makes a great hole-filling product called Bondo Glass, which comes will fiberglass fibers already mixed in. I would fill all of them and drill all new holes so as to position the step exactly where you want it.

You will need to create an access point underneath to attach nuts to the hold-down bolts. Rough up the hole edges, and prep the areas around the holes with denatured alcohol and cover them with tape. Apply the Bondo glass from the top, being sure to work it into the edges of the hole for a good seal and bond. Once it has set good and hard, sand the top and underside flat, drill your new holes and mount the step, using butyl tape to ensure a good seal.

Be sure to use large stainless steel washers on the underside to spread the load to the undrilled areas, or even a large plate. Plywood would work, but steel, aluminum, or plastic would not be subject to rot. You might want to consider bedding the plate with Bondo to distribute the load better.

[Chumpy36]

Great. Can do.

I put 5200 in the holes today to make sure it won't leak if it rains but I can drill that out and clean it up.

Since I am drilling 4 new holes how important is it to get the exact positioning of the plate? Just try to center it near where the other ones were?

Thanks much!

J

[Stickinthemud57]

If the old step left a footprint, you will be fine just matching that as closely as possible.

[LakeMac26C]

You mentioned your boat has a custom "mast block" underneath it. Do you know the reason behind this? If your mast is the stock length, then removing it might require new standing rigging since it's now "shorter." I was thinking this may have been done because of some damage to the bottom of the mast like a crack that was sawed off near the base and thus the block brings the right back to the stock height???

[Chumpy36]

No idea. I’ll look at the mast but I haven’t noticed anything that looks weird. I figured the two inches could be taken up in adjustment eh?

[LakeMac26C]

It's a good question. If your rig has turnbuckles, 2" might be too much for them to handle especially if they are already at one extreme or another. I'll bet the stock chain plates could take up the gap. Hopefully the PO didn't have to buy all custom standing rigging due to that mast base. Just a thought

[Chumpy36]

I just got all new rigging at standard length from BWY. With the non turnbuckle stuff. Hopefully it all works out.

THX!