New Mast Step (Tabernacle)

[Scott K]

Okay - I give up...1979 Cat 22. Needed to replace original aluminum mast step as it was bent and one of the flanges was missing. Bought the stainless steel upgrade.Am now very interested in how my mast is supposed to be stepped in the new stainless steel version as the pin at the base of the mast is too wide to fit into the closed, vertical (vice open ended, horizontal slots on the aluminum step) slots. Am I an idiot who has missed something obvious, or does the stainless steel step not work with the original 1979 mast?Scott

 

[Tanner]

There were two mast types, flat and round.

Since you have a '79, you probably have the round mast. I don't know for sure, but maybe there is a difference between the mast step for the two different types. It could just be that they shipped the wrong part.

 

[Barry P. Broyles]

New Bolt

Scott: If I am not mistaken I believe the new style mast step uses a stainless steel bolt and wing nut through the slot in the step and the hole in the mast where the pins are now. I have a 1973 C22 with the original mast step but there are several newer C22's at the marina and I seem to remember them having the bolt and nut.Barry Broyles, C22 #1909, "Brighteyes"

 

[Keith K.]

my boat uses a bolt

My cat22 '76 has a new stainless steel mast step, and the mast attaches with a long bolt and wing nut. Works like a charm. You should be able to get them at the hardware store.Regards,Keith K.S/V Vesta

 

[Dick of Sylvan]

Bolt or Slot

I think I'd look first at the smaller bolt idea (West Marine sells stainless), but I suppose you could also consider widening the slots, using a tungsten bit in a dremmel tool.