ABI Folding Mast Steps

[Larkin]

I recently purchased some aluminum ABI folding mast steps and its time to install them. No directions were sent with these steps. I've done some moderate surfing to try and solve this puzzle but so far I've come up short. Obviously I don't want to start drillin holes until I'm properly educated so any advice would be greatly appreciated.Larkin Dooley

 

[chris]

choose your fastners carefully

I have looked into those steps as well just haven't gotten to purchasing them yet. One of the gents down the dock said to choose the installtion fastners carefully as stainless steel and aluminum don't mix. Something about the galvanic corrosion that would occur between the two metals. Perhaps one of the forum regulars can shed some light on this.Chris

 

[Jim21895]

fasteners

Use stainless fasteners. Isolate the fasteners by using nylon washers between the stainless and aluminum mast. Coat the materials in Duralac (very messy so be careful) to help with isolation and preventing seizing from corrosion. If you tap into the mast for the fasteners, use machine screws and coat the threads with the Duralac. Do not use self tapping screws.

 

[Paul Cossman]

fastening mast steps

I affixed ABI folding mast steps to my Passage 42 about 12 years ago. First I ensured that I wasn't going to drill holes in the area of the electrical wire PVC pipe. Next I drilled a test hole to determine the width of the mast housing itself. After determining the necessary length for the machine screws, I bought them and used a grinder to round off the ends of them so that they wouldn't abrade the sail halyards that run inside the mast. (The machine screws protrude about 1/8" beyond the interior of the mast housing to ensure maximum holding strength). Then I drilled the holes, tapped them for the appropriate machine screws, coated the screws with anti-corrosion paste, and screwed in the steps. I haven't had any problem with them yet. Good luck.