Corroded mast step area

[Tom Hadoulias]

While doing some preventative maintenance and bilge cleaning, I discovered some heavy pitting around the mast base and step, and also where the mast plate base bolts to the keel. The plate has actually erroded on the corners to the point where the keel bolt shanks are almost revealed.I ultimately plan to remove the mast and renew the entire assembly as well as redesign the mast step area to get it out of the water. My question is this. Has anyone had experience with removing the keel nuts and washers one at a time to facilitate a temporary repair with the boat in the water? I have called Hunter and they state that the keel is adequately sealed on the bottom and also in the bolt holes to the point that water intrusion should not occur but suggested caution on removing the nuts while afloat in an older boat. This whole area was missed in the survey and although I don't believe it's a structual problem at this time I am concerned about water intrusion through the keel bolt areas. I will temporarily apply some 3M5200 sealant for now. Anyone had any experiences in this area? Thanks in advance for your replies.Tom

 

[Tom Neal]

mine too

TomI have owned my 37-cutter 1979 vintage for 6 years now. I have modified many things on this boat during this time. This past season I pulled my mast to replace the standing rigging and at that I inspected the mast and step, there was some corrosion but considering the dementions of the mast I consider it to be insignificant. My bilge is wet also but primarily the water comes from cockpit leaks that I still need to fix.If you really need an area to worry about, check the lower rudder area just as it goes through the hull..Mine had work about 1/4 in on each side to make a very loose rudder and almost eroded the rudder post. I replaced the area and added a bronze sleeve for the rudder post.How long have you owned your boat?Tom Nealtneal@cybernet2k.com

 

[R. HUGHES]

keel bolts

YES THOUGH KEEL BOLTS WERE LEAKING, BUT WAS ONE OF THE WATER HOLDING TANKS ,DID NOT RELIZE THAT IT WAS HOLDING TANK INTILL HAULED IT OUT.I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND PULLING NUTS AND WASHERS INTILL YOU HAUL ,HUNTER TOLD ME THE SAME THAT THEY HAD ENOUGHT 5200 ON THE KEEL TO HOLD IT .BUT THERE IS ALWAYS THAT CHANCE THAT ONE MIGHT LEAK. HAD TO USE A IMPACTWRENCH WITH A LONG EXTENSION TO BREAK THEM BOLTS. GOOD LUCK

 

[Gene Gruender]

new higher mast step

When I bought Rainbow Chaser the mast step plate was nearly gone, and the bottom couple inches of the mast was in pretty bad shape.With the mast out I removed the 3 nuts, removed the remains of the old plate, then made a new plate. The mast step casting was still in good shape. I had no water come in. (As they say, your milage may vary!)I took a section of an old mast, maybe 6", then welded it to the new plate. I welded a small plate on top of this mast section, then welded the original mast step casting to that plate, effectively making a new mast step that was about 6" or 7" higher than the original. I cut a section off of the bottom of the mast to make it the right length for the new mast step and re-installed the mast. It's worked fine for 9 years and 10,000 miles of blue water cruising.Gene GruenderRainbow ChaserRainbow_Chaser@Compuserve.com