mast base

[ericravnsails]

On my 84 O'day 222 there is a plastic block bertween the base of the mast and the hinged part. The block (which is full of cracks) is approx. 1 1/2" thick. What is the purpose of this block, is there any restrictions on the type or strength of the material I use to replace it (compression load of the mast) and can you class race with this in place (I'm not a racer but that point was brought up to me)?

I am going nuts trying to launch the boar for the first time. Every time I get one project done something else crops up. :cry::cry::cry::cry:

 

[Jackdaw]

I'm pretty sure the 222 uses a Z-spars Z190 mast as shown in the picture below. The mast originally came with a base with built in sheeves that added about 1.5 inches to the mast height. Later years switched to a better design that only added about 1/4 inch. Anyone that need to replace their mast base (often broken when raising the mast) had to switch to the new base, and shim the mast to keep it the same overall height.

Normally the shim went under the base on the deck. The shim for sure is under the full compression load of the mast rigging. Make sure its strong and durable.

 

[Joe11688]

On my 84 O'day 222 there is a plastic block bertween the base of the mast and the hinged part. The block (which is full of cracks) is approx. 1 1/2" thick. What is the purpose of this block, is there any restrictions on the type or strength of the material I use to replace it (compression load of the mast) and can you class race with this in place (I'm not a racer but that point was brought up to me)?

I am going nuts trying to launch the boar for the first time. Every time I get one project done something else crops up. :cry::cry::cry::cry:

Would it be possible to post some pictures of your mast step and tabernacle? Is your mast Z-Spar with internal halyards?
I ask you these questions because my mast was made by Z-Spar and after I lost my first mast, I had a new Z-Spar mast made up with a Stainless Steel Dwyer mast hinge which required a special mast plug. Back then I had to mount a 5"X7" X 1" thick Teak board under my hinge plate on the cabin top. I've since replaced that Teak block with a piece of 1" thick Trex.

Later on I had to replace the s.s. mast plug that the riggers made up for my mast back then with a mast plug which I made up out of 1/4 sheet aluminum, Trex, and PVC trim board,-- long story.
Check out my home made mast extrusion in this picture album. I've since added two more long s.s. bolts to it
http://forums.oday.sailboatowners.com/album.php?albumid=372&page=3

The only other thing that I think really needs mentioning on this subject is the fact that the 1984 O'Day 222s didn't have a tension bar in the cabin to support the mast. This bar can be seen in these pics. The later model O'Day 222s came with this bar. If your boat doesn't have one of these, it would be wise to have one made up and install it.
Joe

 

[ericravnsails]

TREX?

The only trex I have found advertised is made for decking around the house. Do you have a supplier I could contact (and also the specks)????

Would it be possible to post some pictures of your mast step and tabernacle? Is your mast Z-Spar with internal halyards?
I ask you these questions because my mast was made by Z-Spar and after I lost my first mast, I had a new Z-Spar mast made up with a Stainless Steel Dwyer mast hinge which required a special mast plug. Back then I had to mount a 5"X7" X 1" thick Teak board under my hinge plate on the cabin top. I've since replaced that Teak block with a piece of 1" thick Trex.

Later on I had to replace the s.s. mast plug that the riggers made up for my mast back then with a mast plug which I made up out of 1/4 sheet aluminum, Trex, and PVC trim board,-- long story.
Check out my home made mast extrusion in this picture album. I've since added two more long s.s. bolts to it
http://forums.oday.sailboatowners.com/album.php?albumid=372&page=3

The only other thing that I think really needs mentioning on this subject is the fact that the 1984 O'Day 222s didn't have a tension bar in the cabin to support the mast. This bar can be seen in these pics. The later model O'Day 222s came with this bar. If your boat doesn't have one of these, it would be wise to have one made up and install it.
Joe

I have the post... just the Trex I am trying to locate. Found some in the form of home decking (maybe 3/4" thick). Any advise on a vender??

 

[Sastevenson]

Trex is home decking. It comes in 1x6 boards of various lengths. Trex has wood fibers in it whereas a product such as azek is 100% PVC. Good luck.

 

[Joe11688]

Trex can be bought at almost any lumber yard, Home Depot, or Lowe's. It's used for decking. A friend of mine who's son is a carpenter, gave me a short Trex board that was exactly 1" thick and this is what I used on the cabin of my boat for my tabernacle. My farmer's porch deck on my house is made of Trex. The stuff lasts and lasts.