I purchased a 1998, 240 last week and am having issues stepping the mast. I purchased it from an elderly gentleman, the boat is in fantastic shape but the seller didn't provide much guidance or any manuals. I Down loaded the owners manual and have been following the steps. My problem; when I move the mast aft from the travel configuration, the base of the mast lands about 5 inches to port of the mast step casting, I can sort of force the mast base into the casting but the holes don't line up close enough to insert the step pin. moving aft and attempting to push the mast a little in any direction doesn't have an effect on the mast base, because it seems the mast struts keep the mast base from moving left or right in any meaningful way.
I noticed the locking nut on the port strut was a couple turns above the strut, not snug, like the starboard strut locking nut.
Has anyone experienced similar problems or can help with suggestions?
My thoughts were to disconnect the struts from the deck, place the mast into the step casting, install the pin, then adjust the struts and reattach them to the deck. Is this a good idea?
I noticed the locking nut on the port strut was a couple turns above the strut, not snug, like the starboard strut locking nut.
Has anyone experienced similar problems or can help with suggestions?
My thoughts were to disconnect the struts from the deck, place the mast into the step casting, install the pin, then adjust the struts and reattach them to the deck. Is this a good idea?