Mast Plate Attachment?

[DeniseBarrett]

My mast plate has become loose and while looking at the screws I'm realizing that whoever owned the boat before me just screwed in wood screws and hoped for the best. So I have a question to all small (or maybe even large) sailboat owners out there...

how are your mast plates attached? Are they just screwed in? Did you use anchors to secure the screws (as I am now contemplating)? Is it bolted with nuts underneath? What seems like the best way to hold the plate in?

Thank you in advance for the help!

 

[bria46]

I would do your third option. You may also use bedding compound

 

[Ross]

I shall presume that you are referring to the plate that supports the mast on deck? My opinion is that it should be through bolted with the holes countersunk so that the bedding compound will be able to seal the bolts.

 

[CalebD]

What Ross just wrote, but the screw holes should be filled with new epoxy and glass strands or fabric and re-drilled. A backing plate is also a very good idea on the under side.
I think this is the boat you have: http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=4308
It looks like a lot of fun.

I can't help you with the ID plate but this link has the owners manual for your boat and a bunch of other info on the Chrysler boats: http://chryslersailing.lizards.net/

Have fun.

 

[Ray Bowles]

The mast base plate simply locates the mast base. The rigging is what holds the mast down. I am assuming that this is on your 15 foot boat. If that is the case then through bolting the base and using a backing plate or large fender washers will more than keep the base in place. Use a good sealant to seal the through bolts and then tighten the rigging to the proper strength.
Ray