Hawaii Sailor
E27, Kaneohe, Hawaii
I'm considering repairing my mast step. The compression post is in ok condition and the area around the mast step sounds solid when tapped. It's not very noticeable , but there is a slight sag where the mast step is. I've heard different answers from shipwrights and the cause is most likely from 50 years of compression (boat is 1974). It may not necessarily be rotting at all. I am more than willing to eventually repair this and have a few questions.
Is it necessary to haul the boat out? I am concerned of doing it in the water because I want the new mast step to be aligned correctly.
What is the most simple way to fix this? Could I grind down the mast step (just the 6"x8" area directly under the mast step base) and build it up with biaxial fiberglass cloth?
I'm also consider using g10, however I am weary of setting the g10 in the water, keeping it level with the mast, and fitting it on my cambered deck.
If the mast step sag is minor, can I just leave it alone and sail?
I have looked into this thread: https://ericsonyachts.org/ie/threads/seeking-advice-on-e32-mast-step-repair.13256/
However I am looking for a more simple repair, because the extent of the sag and compression is not as severe.
Here are a few options I am considering:
Option 1: grind down mast step to reach core. Fill it up with biaxial cloth, followed by g10.
Option 2: Grind down mast step to core. Fill it up with biaxial cloth, followed by an aluminum halyard organizer plate
Option 3: Leave it alone
Is it necessary to haul the boat out? I am concerned of doing it in the water because I want the new mast step to be aligned correctly.
What is the most simple way to fix this? Could I grind down the mast step (just the 6"x8" area directly under the mast step base) and build it up with biaxial fiberglass cloth?
I'm also consider using g10, however I am weary of setting the g10 in the water, keeping it level with the mast, and fitting it on my cambered deck.
If the mast step sag is minor, can I just leave it alone and sail?
I have looked into this thread: https://ericsonyachts.org/ie/threads/seeking-advice-on-e32-mast-step-repair.13256/
However I am looking for a more simple repair, because the extent of the sag and compression is not as severe.
Here are a few options I am considering:
Option 1: grind down mast step to reach core. Fill it up with biaxial cloth, followed by g10.
Option 2: Grind down mast step to core. Fill it up with biaxial cloth, followed by an aluminum halyard organizer plate
Option 3: Leave it alone
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