Soft deck repair under mast step

[CaptainNasty]

The fiberglass is cracking around my mast step, looking exactly like the photos posted in this closed thread:
http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=1026954

After removing the mast step plate, I could dig out wet wood from the hole where the wires go through (after digging out a bunch of crumbling Marine Tex). The plywood block in the bilge under the compression post does not appear rotten, so I think the sagging deck is from wet core material under the mast step. I'm getting ready to cut out a square foot chunk of the deck, like in the other thread.

I have one question, and it probably applies to any job of fixing wet core: After we remove the wet wood, why go back in with new wood, as opposed to simply filling with layers of fiberglass/epoxy?

Thanks for any insights...this will be my most frightening fiberglass job yet.

 

[justsomeguy]

I've had no problem using straight fiberglass and polyester(?) resin in the deck over my compression post area.
I wouldn't want to go much beyond that square foot you've mapped out, though.

Relax, it's really not too big of a repair job, and hard to mess up. The worst part for me seemed to be the color matching.

 

[Anonymous 121765]

Nasty,

There have been alot of threads on this. Look for them here for more info.

Just, knows what I'm talking about as I had to do mine. The problem was the mast step bolting & the electrical penetration/s. The secret after repair is to find a way to seal the bolts & penetrations.

Here's some pics of what I did. I didn't run my elect. penetrations thru inside the mast but outside so as to keep a better seal. I also put a mast top cover plate to keep out alot of rain.
I did some other mods like having two 3" dia. holes with vent covers near the bottom for inspection & drying. If you want to know, I can post them also.

Ps: if you can hopefully, save the deck piece you cutout & reset it back in place to retain the raised section.

CR

 

[The Garbone]

As I am close to putting my mast back on I am very interested in this myself.

Maybe using some G10 for the core under the was would be good? No rot or compression issues in the future.

Ron, I like the idea of not putting the cables down the center of the step. What did you use as a conduit/weather head for the purpose?

 

[Anonymous 121765]

Gary,

Here's a pic to show my venting. there are two on opposing sides. It will show a louvered circular fitting. Think of a cooling tower & how it works. The close-off plate atop the mast still has end-openings. As air blows across the top of the mast, air is sucked into my louvered vents & then upward thru the top. This will dry any water or moisture from inside the mast base.

I also drilled 6 half-diameter 1/4" notches into the bottom edge of my spar. This allows for water sitting at the bottom to drain any residual water out unto the cabin top.

I don't have finished pics of my wiring modification but, will be at my boat tomorrow. I will send you the pics then. I tried to send you a PM but could knot. I think you have to set this up on this site.

I no longer have to worry about a wet deck under my mast. Send your address or phone number via PM & we can cover more ground.

CR

 

[CaptainNasty]

Thanks for the great information. The mast head cover plate seems like an excellent idea. Plus I'll be adding some drainage, as currently I don't think there's any way for water to drain. I think if my wiring had been in a short conduit riser, I wouldn't have a problem. It was just a hole full of crumbling crud.

 

[Anonymous 121765]

Thanks for the great information. The mast head cover plate seems like an excellent idea. Plus I'll be adding some drainage, as currently I don't think there's any way for water to drain. I think if my wiring had been in a short conduit riser, I wouldn't have a problem. It was just a hole full of crumbling crud.

Nasty,

There is a simple way....

CR

 

[CaptainNasty]

I'm always interested in the simple way. Not that it matters to this topic, but the photo of your boat seems short on chain plates, standing rigging and life lines. Or perhaps I just don't understand what I'm looking at.

 

[The Garbone]

Missing the lower shrouds it looks like.

Ron, will send u a pm when I get home and have a real computer to type on. This iPhone app leaves a lot to desire.

The temptation is to put a deck pipe next to the mast and run flex to protect the coax and wires between the mast and port side cabinetry.

 

[Anonymous 121765]

NASTY (the moniker seems to fit PAL),

I was in the middle of a mast base fix & a NEW epoxied deck painting project. The main shroud is shown with blue masking tape. Remember, I was in the middle of PAINTING!

I'm abit surprised, I tried to help you & you come back with CRITICISM. Two different boats, both with different projects. I don't need this man........do it your way, I will NOW UNSUBSCRIBE FROM THIS THREAD .

CR

 

[justsomeguy]

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, CR?

 

[CaptainNasty]

NASTY (the moniker seems to fit PAL),

I was in the middle of a mast base fix & a NEW epoxied deck painting project. The main shroud is shown with blue masking tape. Remember, I was in the middle of PAINTING!

I'm abit surprised, I tried to help you & you come back with CRITICISM. Two different boats, both with different projects. I don't need this man........do it your way, I will NOW UNSUBSCRIBE FROM THIS THREAD .

CR

woah. Just making friendly conversation, not criticism. I'll forego my stupid questions going forward. Thanks for the help. Adios.

 

[Anonymous 121765]

Just,

The pic I attached was to show the vents I added. Then Nasty, questioned my RIGGING, CHAINPLATES & lifelines, really man? The pic was not about my project, only the vents. I never said what my full project was. I just tried to stay within the fabric of the thread question.

OK, so maybe I am not having a great day but honestly, why can't folks just more-focus on each post & respond accordingly? Nasty, today was not that day pal.

Garbone,

PM me pal as we planned.

CR

 

[justsomeguy]

Ah, the issues with communication via electronic means. The lack of nuance is supposedly made up for with emoticons, but not always reliably.

 

[CaptainNasty]

I was only hoping to learn the logic of replacing a wood core versus making it solid fiberglass.

The Garbone, thanks for the G10 idea.

Take Care,
Rafe

 

[jrowan]

Capt. Ron,

You always give excellent advice & your pics are great documentation. Obviously you were in the middle of your project when the pics were taken. I too have tried to give good advice on this forum, & it seems that some people don't appreciate the time it takes to give good advice. I think the newies need to realize that we've been there & already done that. You cannot buy the advice from another sailor who has already done the repair you're attempting, & even provides pics to show you they way. Cheers, Jeremy

 

[CaptainNasty]

It is unfortunate that my innocent question about a photo I didn't fully understand was met with such contempt and hostility. I don't think I was any more off-topic than the material to which I was replying, considering that none of it specifically addressed my only original question. This "newie" realizes that those who have been there and done that, may or may not treat me with decency. I'm sorry I picked the wrong day to ask a dumb question. I have great respect and appreciation for the excellent advice often provided around here. I've read and tried to imitate everything MaineSail has put out there...the guy is like a god in this realm. And others too.

Since most the worthy questions have already been asked, and I'm unlikely to have helpful input, this will be my last post. I'm sure this site will be at least as good without my participation. My skin is not so thick. Some random guy chewing me out actually cost me sleep, laying awake obsessing about it. Life is short. Love to all.

Carry on and happy sailing!

 

[justsomeguy]

A darned silly thing to get all huffy about, IMO.

I, for one, am sorry that this happened. I wish I could apologize for everyone concerned.

A good book:
All I really need to know I learned in kindergarten.

 

[Anonymous 121765]

Captain N & all the guys,

I only said that I did not appreciate your questioning what I did on my boat project, that was all.

In your post you wrote: "but the photo of your boat seems short on chain plates, standing rigging and life lines" simply rubbed me. Questioning this, had one looked more intently, one could see that other thru deck fittings were removed also. One would see this was a deck mast step & painting project. Who would paint without removing these. The lowers are not attached as I'm putting up coats. The mast is fully supported front, aft & uppers.

CN, you shouldn't have taken my comment so deep to heart pal. My intent in the thread was to help you with what I did, as you still had questions. I then mentioned some ways to also make sure of water draining at the mast step as I assumed your mast was down & modifications could be easily done.

Please, ya gotta let this water roll of your back man, it was but a mere bump in the road. But don't feel you should leave the group as this would be overkill & surely not what I had intended.

CR

 

[CaptainNasty]

All is forgiven. Blessings to you and your family.

Rafe