Oday 23 Mast step re-install

[JPonHudson]

The mounting hardware is rusted and I am planning to remount it. Questions I have. I can only see three nuts. The fourth does not seem accessible. Is it possible that that a lag screw is used in the hole? Or is there away to access that nut from below? I am tempted to add backing plate but I can't see how that would work with the "4th hole issue".

Also, Is there any good reasons for not adding this plate? I am considering possibly running all lines to the cockpit to help with single-handling so I think that I might as well add it now so I don't have to tear up the whole project in the future.

 

[sail sfbay]

Can you please photo of the mounting location? Adding a backing plate and halyard organizer plate makes a lot of sense.

 

[rschuss]

This is my thought process. On my 222, the thru bolts for the mast step are secured by washers and cap nuts. Unlike winches and cleats where the forces may become vertical, the forces on the mast step is mostly down or sideways. I noticed that the thru pins at the mast step were tightly fitted. Therefore any motion at the mast step will be felt by the mounting hardware. I drilled the pin mounting holes of the step slightly larger to allow for this motion. I travel a lot , so I focus a lot on the mast step, when setting up and breaking down for travel.
Of course a backing plate will not hurt, if it makes you feel better.

 

[HukilauMike]

I tried to remount that plate on my Oday 23 many years ago. I don't think it's a lag bolt because I couldn't get the thing out. I always assumed that fourth bolt was underneath the compression post (which is really just a 2x4). I didn't think it was worth it to take the cabin apart to remount the plate. I backed out the bolts I could reach and rebed them and lived with it. As for the new plate, I think it's a great idea. You will need to add a deck organizer too to lead the lines back to the cockpit. If you do, you will have to cut a hole in the cabin ceiling to get to the underside of the deck itself to install the fasteners. I sold my Oday 23 a few years ago, but it was a great boat that I had for almost twenty years. Enjoy!