removing and re-seating the mast step

[Bill Leathen]

I would like to add a u shaped plate under my mast step so that I can add some blocks to run my halyards aft. The mast step has 4 large phillips head screws holding it to the deck. I was not able to turn these screws. Now I am concerned that if I do get them to turn, then re-seating them may be difficult. Does anyone have suggestions on how I can get these screws to turn? When you put it back together, what did you use to re-seat the screws? Thanks in advance.
Bill Leathen

 

[Mark Major]

I don't know the dimensions of the original hardware but it was three lag screws and a through bolt or machine screw...Currently mine is held on by three hex head lag bolts and one through bolt that is used as the ground. Under the step is a layer of fiberglass that sandwiches a metal plate against plywood. I believe the thickness is 3" total, so the three lag bolts (as I best recall) are 1/4x 2-1/2" and the 1/4" shoulder thru-bolt is 3+". Anyway I replaced the screws with lag bolts upon reassembly and bedded with 3M 5200.