How Do I Remove Mast Step?

[Steve]

I just bought an '86 C30 that has been in salt water and am trying to do a restoration job on the mast before I put it back up (i.e. new standing rigging, masthead, halyards, spreaders, lights, etc.) The mast step is an aluminum gizmo bolted to the deck with 4 lag bolts. Even though I've removed all the bolts, the (old corroded) aluminum mast step won't budge - it seems to be "bonded to the deck". Can anyone give me any pointers on getting this thing off so I can install the new one without taking an axe to the fiberglass?Thanks,Desperate for advice....

 

[Doug Thomas]

A LIttle Force

I just did this a month ago. I the mast step was sealed with something akin to 3M 5200. I used a chisel and small hammer to find a weak spot and worked my way around the base. It comes up eventually.

 

[Steve]

Thanks Doug!

Thanks Doug,A good suggestion. Just wanted to check with someone who's done this already before I start whacking at it.Cheers!

 

[Rick]

Dental Floss or Fishing line

This month's Sail magazines' "Things that work" column had a tip on solving problems like yours. Take a length of line and wrap the ends around two screwdrivers for handles and work the line back and forth under the mast step until you've sawn thru all the old caulk.