Irwin 23 mast step

[3gmmt]

I am dropping the mast on my 1972 Irwin 23 after the starboard chainplate catastrophically parted from the starboard bulkhead. My question is regarding the mast step. I see the hinge on the back end but what is the bolt sticking up in the front doing and how do I remove it? It almost seems to be a part of the aluminum cast base. I've put a wrench on it and can't budge it.

Thanks for the help!​

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Send me a larger photo and advise aft or fore to davecondon@mindspring.com so I can see better what I am looking at.

crazy dave condon

 

[c_witch]

I am dropping the mast on my 1972 Irwin 23 after the starboard chainplate catastrophically parted from the starboard bulkhead. My question is regarding the mast step. I see the hinge on the back end but what is the bolt sticking up in the front doing and how do I remove it? It almost seems to be a part of the aluminum cast base. I've put a wrench on it and can't budge it.

Thanks for the help!​

I'm inclined to think that it locks the front of the mast step down. So unscrew it and it should lift vertically or maybe even toggle forward off of the fork below and thereby allow the mast to pivot on the hinge and lower to the transom. It may simply be siezed due to some corrosion.

c_witch