Searching for a replacement mast step

Good Morning All,
I've started looking for a replacement mast step for my 16. Used condition is fine as long as it's not filed off like my current one. Will purchase a new one if I can't find a used one in good condition. Appreciate any leads you might know of.

Fair winds,
Eric

Years ago when my mast step rotation stops got really chewed-up I had them built back up.

In the off season I brought the complete front cross bar to a welder. I scribed where I wanted him to build back up to and told him I would grind/file it back to my liking.

It worked well. No futzing around.

There used to be an cast aluminum insert that was sold to replace the stops. I don't know if it's still available or not. Never used one, so I can't say how well it worked.

_________________
Sail Fast, Take Chances.

Hmm, good stuff!
I thought about building up the metal. Wondered how long it would last. This will be my first choice.

Thanks!!!
Eric

Sounds like you're looking for a mast base. If you go to a welder, you probably could take the boat in on its trailer and he could do the work without having to take apart the boat. It's a long, painful story, but it happened to me.

Good Morning All,
Here's the first step in the "re-build mast step project". I've constructed formwork as seen in the pic below. You can see the cavities to be filled where the original aluminum has been taken away. I'm using "JB weld" as the build medium. It's supposed to have metal-like qualities after curing. Once the cure period is finished. I'll grind and file the stops to suit.

The stop-to-mast rotation point-to-stop angle looks to be about 45 degrees. Can anyone measure their's and respond with the original angle? Otherwise I'll make the best guess and finish file to a symmetrical angle.



Fair winds,
Eric

Nice set-up job.

My worry would be the bond to the mast step. It will get pounded and could fracture apart. The bond you will be getting will be a mechanical one, whereas a weld will "bite-in" to the mast step material.

Another consideration is the maleability of the material you are using. If it is hard, it may also be brittle.

Let us know how it works.

_________________
Sail Fast, Take Chances.

Hello Russiet,
Yes, material viability is a question. I have nothing to lose by doing this first. The JB material is thick and I'm waiting for a full cure before I take the next picture and before the filing/grinding step. I'll post as I progress.

And....If it doesn't work or last, then I'll just purchase a new mast step. Either way I'll be ready for the next sail!

Fair winds,
Eric

Good Morning All,
Here's the next step in the project. After the medium has cured, I removed the "formwork" leaving the added material in place:



About 8 minutes of bulk grinding with a rotary tool and finish filing gave me this:



and



I'll report how this fix does after the next sortie.

_________________
Eric
H16
Sail# 11500

Well, it certainly looks damn good.

I hope it holds up like magic. But like you say, there's not much downside to it.

See my post http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=7672

The casting I rebuilt gets an infrequent force putting the steel strap into tension (whoops...). Very little to break unless a screw shears off.

What is JB Weld like, an epoxy?

_________________
Sail Fast, Take Chances.

Howdy Russiet,
Yes, an epoxy. Quoting the company's website:

"When mixed together in equal portions, a chemical reaction occurs that turns the mixture into a compound as hard and tough as steel -- and with similar properties."

Their URL:
http://jbweld.net/products/jbweld.php

I'm pretty satisfied with the stuff, use it for many purposes. When I found some rivets loose, I removed the rivet, filled the hole, re-drilled and then re-riveted for a tight joint. Stuff works great.

I think your base pivot fix should work OK. It's only in tension (pulling against the epoxy/strap while the mast is pinned and supported aft by the rear frame before you raise it. Otherwise it is in compression as you raise it and I'd expect the strap would mostly keep the base in place. I'd be more concerned with the rotational forces that this joint is subjected to as the mast is being raised and it tilts about it's axis. I use the newer style mast step link that resists tilting better than the old style. It's made out of beefier metal plate. At any rate, should this not work, I saw a mast base on available on Ebay if you're so inclined. Else, there's always the catalog purchase....your decision.

Else, I've put max rake on my '74 H16 and revised the way my mainsheet blocks are reeved. I can't wait to test it on the next sail. I've max raked before but found that I couldn't sheet-in block-to-block. This problem should be solved now. I've also installed a few more luff and leech tell-tales per the articles mentioned in another recent post.

I just hope the wind remains when I get out on the water.

Hope this helps

_________________
Eric
H16
Sail# 11500

Eric,

Can you tell me how this repair is holding up?

I'm facing the same problem with my mast step and I'm looking for solutions.

Lluis