[Rhodes22-list] Mast Step Popped

[Rick]

David,

If your mast step plate screws tore out during normal raising and lowering
of the mast, you probably have a rotting mast base support board.  Repairing
the screw holes will just cause extensive cracking to the cabin top gelcoat
when the rotten wood lets go of larger epoxy plugs.  Plus, the rotting base
board will soon stop providing cantilever support to the mast, causing the
cabin top to deform and the gelcoat to crack extensively.

With winter coming on, it may be best to have the base replaced now to save
yourself growing agony over it.  I know how delay just means mo' money.

If the screws tore out because you had an accident, replace them with larger
screws.  Be sure the screws are well seated in sealant both above and below
the mast step plate.

Rick

On Sun, Sep 11, 2011 at 5:44 PM, David Craft <chsyhkr at gmail.com> wrote:

> While setting our mast at a local lake the mast step popped off with the
> screws somewhat stripped.  We reset it and raised it carefully figuring
> that
> the weight would help hold it.
>
> While taking it down, it popped again, necessitating the repair I expected
> when it popped the first time.
>
> The boat is a 89, recycled in 08.
>
> The step is secured with three 1 inch screws.   I am thinking of drilling
> out the holes, repairing with epoxy,  drilling new pilot holes, and
> resetting.   I have heard suggestions from inserting lugs to drilling all
> the way through and using bolts and nuts.  The wall for the head is a
> support below the step, so drilling through is not advisable.  Can longer
> screws be used?
>
> Advice is appreciated as I need to make this repair in the next two weeks.
>
> --
> Regards,
>
> David B. Craft
> Greensboro, NC
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