New Mast Step Plate

[Tom]

I have a 1979 C-22 which has the old style mast step plate (pin guides, no through bolt). I want to replace it with a new plate which is sturdier and has the halyard attachments. Has anyone replaced their old style mast plate with a new one? Did you have to drill a hole in the mast to accomodate the through-bolt?

 

[Scott]

Easy Day

Catalina Direct has everything you need to do this - including instructions and hardware. You do not need to drill a new bolt hole. The problem most people seem to have is that the old bolt has stripped over time. If this is the case, you can fill the hole with epoxy, let it harden, rebore the hole, and put the new bolt in. Recommend you get the appropriate hardware to allow yourself to run your lines aft to the cockpit. You do not have to get everything (deck organizers, etc.), but there is a plate that goes under the new mast step which allows you to attach blocks for your lines should you decide to run the lines aft sometime in the future. It is easier to put it in now, then to pull the mast step back up later on - especially after you've bolted the new step down and sealed it against leaks. Again, Catalina Direct is your best source - they will almost certainly recommend the upgrade when you order.Lastly, I also have a 1979 Cat-22. Did the mast step last year. This year its rigging and sails. Old boat that wasn't too beat up when I got it, just needs some TLC. A lot of the original hardware that is just worn out and needs replacing.Good luck.Scott

 

[Tom]

Is there a bolt on the mast itself?

Thanks for the info Scott. I'm wondering about the mast itself. When I raise my mast, there is currently no bolt which secures the mast onto the mast plate. All there is are two small pins on both sides of my mast (permanently attached) which slide in to the side slots on the mast plate. From what I've read, I think newer models have a bolt (or pin)which slides from one end of the mast plate, through the mast, and out the other end of the plate. If this is the case I'd probably have to drill a hole at the bottom of my mast to accomodate this pin, but wasn't sure. I'll call Catalina Direct this morning and see what they say. Thanks for your help!

 

[Scott K]

Pin permanent?

Tom,You probably got all the information you needed already. As I said, I had the same configuration, except some tapping with a hammer and a punch pushed my mast "pin" right out. The bolt for the new mast step goes through the hole the pin used to be in.Would be interested in what you find out from Catalina about your mast pin.Scott

 

[Frank Sheets]

Cotter pins

Tom,Mine had two cottor pins on the inside of the mast you could see from the bottom. For the time being, I just put a nut & bolt/w finder washers in place of the pin so the mast can't twist when going up or down. Works well. Will upgrade soon.Frank