Mast step problems

[Peter]

As I am new to sailing, and this is my first boat, please forgive any mistake in terms that I may make. My mast connects to a metal step that is on the fore of the cabin. This metal step sits on what appears to be a thick wood structure unter the fiberglass and deck coating. When first inspecting the bolts that hold down the metal step I noticed moisture in the bits of wood that came out when the bolts were removed. Now, after a good afternoon of sailing, I notice that the wood-under-fiberglass structure has caved into the cabin somewhat. Although this seems like a bad thing to me; I just don't how bad it is. Should I finnish out the short sailing season that is left or get it repaired right away before disaster strikes? Any advice apprieciated.........Peter Robertson

 

[mmsailor]

weak cabn top

If as I understand it your cabin top was ok , You stepped your mast and went sailing and now it seem to be depressed, you need get the load off of the cabintop ie unstep the mast, and if it were mine it would be done sooner rather than later, careful to stay off cabingop while unstepping mast you might go thru, More than likely your boat has a balsa core and if it is soggy as described youare in for a repair, there is a method where by you drill holes and inject something like marine tex every few inches, you need to really talk to an expert befoe doing this , good luck , and be careful, MIke

 

[Roland]

Mast Step Compression

Peter, it sounds as if the coring in the deck under the step has gotten wet and compressed. The compression post that supports and keeps the mast from coming through the deck may also have gotten wet. The least worst scenario is that your rigging will always seem to be a bit loose. The worst scenario is that you are risking a de-masting if you should encounter heavy weather or even just a good gust. I would attend to getting this fixed as soon as possible, especially if your rigging is becoming loose everytime you go sailing. The repair part is not a big deal, but a demasting is. In fact, I'm getting ready to take the mast off my h30 Cherubini and do the same thing. Good luck.-RolandS/V Fraulein II

 

[Don Evans]

Agree With Roland

If it was me, I'd pack this season in and deal with the problem while you have some good weather left. Is it a Hunter23? Not sure. Anyways unstep the mast and pull off the mast step. Inspect the deck to determine if the core is wet (highly likely) and check the structure under the mast (compression post?) Replace if there is any rot. If the deck is wet there are ways of drying it, and stabilizing it. Not a pleasant job, but doable. There are some great resources on doing this job. I'd be happy to discuss this with you as I am in Bracebridge, north of you, if you want to phone me. Look up my email addy in the O'Day forum and drop me a line.Don