Mast Step steel beam replacement

[kostas]

I am looking into buying a 1977 Hunter 30'. Today I had a survey done. One thing made me worry. I was told that the steel ( I beam ) mast step in the bilge needs replacing. Someone told me that it's and easy job and that I can do it myself very easily. For some reason it looks like a big job to me. Has anyone done it in the past? Any sugestions? The vesel overall is in great shape for its age.

 

[Steve Dion]

Check the archives.

Kostas:Check the archives and the photo forum. I think you may find some article on the subject. As I remember, you would need to remove the mast and jack up the area. Replace the step and put everything back.

 

[Steve O.]

This is a very common problem...

Amongst Hunters of that vintage. You can DIY if you are handy, if not I would leave it to a pro. This is definetly a bargaining point in the negotiations. I would have the job estimated by a yard and deduct that from my offer, because that's your worst-case scenario if you decide it's big of a job for yourself. You could walk away from the deal, but if you are looking at Hunters of that vintage, there are two kinds: those that have had the beam and compression post replaced, and those that need the beam and compression post replaced. You might want to look for one that has already had the job done.

 

[sr1029]

I beam replacement

I did this job on my 78 Hunter 30 a couple years ago. I probably did more than what was necessary but I plan on keeping the boat and didn't want to have to deal with it again. I took the mast down. Removed the step and modified it by Welding the center cutout over so theres no hole in the middle of the step (traps water) and welded a 1 inch pipe 8 inches long with a thru cut for a wiring conduit. No wiring need go outside the mast now and thru the deck. I pulled the Ibeam and had one made out of 1/4" SS same size. Used WM apoxy to lock it in place. I pulled the pressure post and inspected. It was still in good shape so I flipped it 180 degrees and used it again. Flipped it so I could get new screw holes for the teak covers. The sag had caused the screws to all go in a downwards direction. I also cut the deck raised area around the step down to the cabin liner. took out the plywood. Laid up the whole area with glass being carefull to roll out all the air bubbles. I used SS lag screws to lock down the step to the top of the pressure post. I gel coated the new glassed in area and painted. turned out great. while my mast was down I took it apart and checked it out. rewired it all and ran new lines and new lights. Sounds like a big job but I don't think it was looking back.