Mast Step Casting & Threaded Center Rod

Hello All,
I recently obtained a used mast step in much better shape that the one on my H16 right now. (The step limits were really chewed-up). This replacement is practically un-marred. Question, I soaked the rod threads with "liquid wrench" overnight before I removed the rod. After doing so I observed that about 1/3 of the threads in the aluminum were stripped away with the SS rod. Can the remaining threads be chased clean? If so, what is the pitch so I can buy the right tap/thread chaser? Is this rod in compression or in tension while in use? I think I might have made a mistake by removing the rod (wanting to keep my dophin striker/rod assembly intact and just spin on the better mast step casting).

Comments please!

Regards,

_________________
Eric
H16
Sail# 11500

The dolphin striker post (vertical member) is in compression. I don't know the thread dia/pitch (it's probably a standard (non-metric) coarse thread at what ever diameter the post is). I would thread the post into the step. If it's tight, you're probably ok.



sm

Here's what worked:

9/16" 18 NF tap was used to clean-up the casting threads. The striker post threaded in just fine.

I'll remove the old one pretty soon.

Regards,

_________________
Eric
H16
Sail# 11500

Make sure to grease that sucker up, so the next guy can get it of more easily. I use Lanocote, it stops the corrosion between the two metals.

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Sail Revolution
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SCC,
Thanks for the tip! I'll start looking for that product. I was initially thinking of using anti-seize, but had not looked into the electrolysis issue.

Regards,

_________________
Eric
H16
Sail# 11500

Finally installed the replacement:



Lessons learned:
-Just like the "how to" article mentioned, the existing rivet holes are not always reuseable. Mine happened to line-up almost exactly.
-I used the scissor jack from our small car to great success.
-Use a small wood block between the dolphin striker rod and your mallet, lest you mash the striker in tight while raising the old mast step away from the crossbar.
-Use anti-seize compound on the thread so the next time (hopefully not), the aluminium threads don't shear away while unscrewing the mast step.
-I did have to trim/file the rear edge of the mast step to have it sit flush against the crossbar.

_________________
Eric
H16
Sail# 11500

Man... thats an old one. That has the original 1970s shape. Doesn't allow as much mast rake as the 1982 and newer ones do.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Castings are like bones. The boat may die and rot away, but the castings remain.

That's why you see so many of them on eBay.

Right!
My H16 is a '74. She still looks OK though...



One of these days I'd like to sell and upgrade. I'd make a real sweet deal for someone!

_________________
Eric
H16
Sail# 11500