rebed mast step

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Kevin

I would like to rebed the mast step on my 1979 Oday 23. However, when I tried removing the 4 screws that attach the step, I had difficulty with the after screw on the port side. If this one extends through the cabin roof like the others, I cannot see the nut, for it appears to be directly above the main bulkhead. I was hoping I could just remove the screw, but it just keeps turning and turning without backing out. Has anyone else had similar problems? Any suggestions?
 
G

gene

I can't help you but my 25 had the forward port bolt hole drilled partially from the deck and partial from inside so they met. When I removed the bolt it was bent near the bottom. At first I thought perhaps a demasting had occured previously. I couldn't get a straight bolt in. When I epoxy sealed it and redrilled I had to guess as to how to get my holes to line up. I managed but not easy. You may need to do the same or perhaps you can notch out the top of the bulhead from the forward berth side where it would be less cosmetically noticeable. ???? gene
 
Nov 24, 2005
108
Oday 23 Middle River, Maryland
just did this!

I just went through the same thing on my 1983 23'. You have to jack up the area near the mast to get enough clearance to remove the port bulkhead. The bolt is located under the bulkhead and is still a little difficult to access because it is recessed inside the thickened part of the headliner that holds the bulkhead and provides support to the mast. You also have to remove the bolts for the shrouds and possibly a few screws for the radio cable ties and head support. There is no other way that I can see. Good luck. CVP
 
K

Kevin

sounds scary

Fastscot, Wow, that sounds like a little more work than I bargained for. My only reason to rebed was because I had a little drip from one of the nuts when it rained. As near as I can tell, the bedding is fine. I might just try resealing the screw heads for this year. If that doesn't work, I'll try the method you suggested next winter. Doesn't jacking up the cabin put a lot of stress on the boat? Are the bulkheads just "friction fit"? I might be inclined to try cutting an access hole in the bulkead instead.
 
Nov 24, 2005
108
Oday 23 Middle River, Maryland
Just some work

Again mine is an 83', but the jacking is just a slight temporairy movement only while pulling the bulkhead out. There are a few screws involved but they are for things attached to the bulkhead such as the end piece to the bulkhead. The problem with resealing without removing the mast plate is you can't get to the actual bolt holes where you need to be. The reason for not cutting an access hole is that your are cutting through a heavily thickened material that appears to not only provide laterial support to the bulkhead, but spreads the weight of the mast load. It is pretty solid stuff and without knowing exactly where the bolt ends, how would you know where to drill. Just one man's opinion. CVP
 
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