Hinged mast base for Albin Vega 27

[Gene Neill]

Gene, Great job well done! Here are my belated congratulations. Thanks for this informative thread.

I am working on pretty much the same project to my Albin Vega Hull #1553 and she also has a 14 HP Beta motor installed in 2009. The hinge I am installing is also made by Buzz Ballenger.

is there anything at all about installing the mast hinge that you wish you would have done differently?

Thanks,

Raymond

Hi Raymond! What a blast from the past. I just read this entire thread again, it was quite a trip down memory lane! Vega 3360 is still on her trailer in my yard under a shade cloth, and I'm still slowly bringing her back to life. I hope to splash her in a year or two.

I have still only used the mast hinge once. Well, twice. Once to raise the mast, once to bring it down. It functioned perfectly each time, so there's nothing I would change.

 

[Yachtzy]

Hi Raymond! What a blast from the past. I just read this entire thread again, it was quite a trip down memory lane! Vega 3360 is still on her trailer in my yard under a shade cloth, and I'm still slowly bringing her back to life. I hope to splash her in a year or two.

I have still only used the mast hinge once. Well, twice. Once to raise the mast, once to bring it down. It functioned perfectly each time, so there's nothing I would change.

Hi Gene, Thanks for reading through the entire thread again.

I wonder if I may ask a few questions. Thanks.
A. What size of sheet metal screws did you used? 1/4” x 1” or 3/4”?
B. Are those washers to isolate the sheet metal screws from the mast Delrin? I can only find nylon washers in local hardware stores. I don't think nylon washers will last.
C. What size are those 4 machine screws? My plug is a piece of 2” thick UHMWP (Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene) https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultra-high-molecular-weight_polyethylene

 

[Gene Neill]

Yes, the washers are Delrin. You can get them from McMaster.com. I wouldn't use nylon either.

I don't remember the sizes of the fasteners though. It's been eight years. I doubt I remembered after eight DAYS.

 

[Yachtzy]

Yes, the washers are Delrin. You can get them from McMaster.com. I wouldn't use nylon either.

I don't remember the sizes of the fasteners though. It's been eight years. I doubt I remembered after eight DAYS.

Gene,

Thank YOU.

I am ordering Delrin rings online.
I am thinking about using 1/4” sheet metal screws which are mentioned more often by @CloudDiver, @centerline and you.

Thanks for all your help.