New Mast Step w/Spacer...sealant suggestions?

[MGoBoat]

So after an entire Sunday of trying to step the mast in the driveway, we found out the step is broken. This is the first major issue we have found with the boat (O192) and parts are available (sort of). The original mast step is raised a couple inches and has a block of sorts incorporated into the base. The new, replacement step is lacking this block and the line needs to be rerouted and connected to a block on the new step base. Not too big of a deal. The kit I bought has a riser/spacer made of some sort a plastic, probably Delrin, to make up for the space of the rise of the original. Hope that makes sense...

So for the new step, I should seal deck-to-spacer, spacer-to-step, and each fastener with? Butyl tape? Some 3M goop in a tube? Spacer to step seems kind a a waste but will grit and grime get in there and cause future trouble?

Also, no new fasteners came in the kit. Do these need to be a higher strength, say grade 8 or maybe aircraft quality or will standard grade 5 stuff work?

Thanks,

Bill

 

[dscribner]

Bill,

I can tell you what I did. Good ol' GE silicone. Sticks to nothing, but makes a great gasket. You apply it, assemble the parts but don't tighten. Wait for an hour or so for the stuff to partially cure, then tighten the bolts.

As far as the bolts go, I think you'll find that the mast is primarily in compression. Mine has four 1/4-something stainless screws holding the tabernacle to the deck. I don't know what the shear strength is off hand but it's probably around 1500 lbs per screw. That's 6000 pounds. On a 25' boat . . . no problem. 19 footer, even less.

Fair Winds!

Don