Ensign Mast Step Sunk

[Jeff A]

When we had our Ensign pulled out and the mast unstepped this fall, I noticed that the mast step and the area around it had sunken about an inch (explaining the loose shrouds). Has anyone seen this before? How is the step mounted to the hull? Any idea how to fix?Thanks,Jeff

 

[Neil]

Old Pearson problems

I owned an early 60's Pearson for 10 years and I believe the construction of Ensigns, Vanguards Tritons, etc. was essentially the same: The cabin top and most of the deck was probably built with balsa core epoxied between two fiberglass layers. A common problem of this type of construction is water getting in around fasteners or thru-deck wiring and eventually rotting the core. Check into any of the many books out there on fixing old boats for a description of the repair.

 

[Larry Smith]

All Ensign mast steps sink.

This is a common problem with Ensigns. To fix it, you rip up the floor and shore up the mast step underneath. I used four 2x6 Wolmanized blocks arduously trimmed to fit the v-shape of the bilge under the step.

 

[Jon]

Ensign mast step project

I've done this fix on mine, too. STEP ONE: TEMPLATE where the mast step sits. Don't skip this! Then cut the tapes around the cabin floor edge - but don't cut into the hull! If the plywood is dry, you might be able to reuse this piece, with the mast step installed, but don't count on it. Also don't count on being able to get the step off this piece - spring for a new one (www.ensignspars.com). Below you will find 5 rotting unsealed 3/4" plywood forms. Cut them out as carefully as possible, and use them as templates - cuts way down on fitting new ones. When you make the new ones, be sure to leave a gap between the forms and the bottom of the bilge, so water drains away. I used fresh 3/4" marine ply, but I sealed my forms with epoxy after fitting them. The old ones lasted 40 years - the new ones will outlive the boat! I installed 6 where there had been 5 - extra one went forward. Clean the area thoroughly, then epoxy the new forms in place. Then lay the old or new floor on and check for level - belt sand top of forms as needed. If you need a new floor, you will have to fiberglass over it, and be careful to get the mast step area level. Install new step - using template from Step 1. I recommend drilling and sealing around drain holes in the cabin floor, so that any water which comes down the mast does not sit around the step and soak into the wood! I also recommend caulking inside the mast channel above the cabin top, to channel water out. My whole project took me two weeks of part time work - lots of drying time was involved - and cost me about $250 for parts and supplies.Call if you have questions: (973) 801-0290