Bent mast step

[sarahmbb]

Looking to buy a Catalina 18 and the current owner said they bent the mast step. He claims it will be an easy fix -“After taking the boat out the water, I dropped the mast, bent the mast step, which means the bolts that held the mast step sheared out as well. (Can be fixed by bending the mast step back to normal and attaching it with larger bolts).”
Is this true? Any suggestions?

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Pictures would help. Absent that, if the owner says it’s “easy to fix”, he would have already done it if true.

 

[shemandr]

I think No.
Repairable yes. That simple no.
If the SS mast step really bent than bending it back will work harden the metal. And even if that is manageable the chances of getting it back to it's designed shape are suspect -unless you can get a machine shop to do it .
The bolts ripped out? Just using bigger bolts may not do it. What if the core is rotted? What if in the bolts ripping up they lifted or otherwise distorted the deck?
As often is the case, DonS/VILLusion gets to the chase faster.

 

[...3TacksontheWater]

Did the seller state that the bolts sheared out, or are you assuming that that is what happened? IMO, without seeing the boat both inside and out, you will not know. To me, a bent mast step implies that one of the side plates bent, not that the mast step has failed and the bolts have pulled through the deck. Installing a mast step, mast step bolt and sealant ( I used butyl tape when I replaced my mast step) isn't a difficult project. You will also need DeBond to remove the old sealant. If the boat's close to you, it's worth a look to see what's involved to make things right.

George