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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

yet another mast step question

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cks
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126 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/05/2009 : 20:44:43

just so that you folks don't think that i'm being lazy, i did try to search the previous threads, but here goes:

i ordered a new mast step from catalina direct for my '83 std rig. for some reason, i thought that the holes would align with my previous mast step, but of course they don't. the foreward hold are about a 1/4 inch two narrow and the aft holes are not only over an inch too aft, but the screw holes are smaller than the foreward holes.

my plan: refill the existing holes with epoxy then redrill the holes.

my questions: 1)it appears that one of my foreward holes will be drilled into 1/2epoxy and 1/2 wood. would this be a problem? and 2)
what will i be drilling into for my aft holes- wood or fiberglass. if it is fiberglass do i need to bolt this?

thanks in advance.

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farrison
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USA
166 Posts

Response Posted - 04/06/2009 : 10:04:16

I have an '82 Std rig and I added a mast plate with holes for single-handed rigging. Instead of changing the hole pattern in the boat top, I changed the holes in the new plate. I used the origninal mast step to set the locations in the new plate, and carefully re-drilled the holes using oil to cool the bit. I figured that moving the hole locations in the boat top might cause me to miss some hidden structure intended to hold the step. I did put some filled epoxy down the holes when I re-inserted the screws to strengthen the material that the screws went into.

Paul

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Frank Hopper
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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 04/06/2009 : 13:08:23

Redrill the plate. BTW I would take this opportunity to add a halyard plate to the deck under the mast step. A halyard plate adds a world of flexibility to rigging options.

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pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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Response Posted - 04/06/2009 : 13:19:12

oops, used my old log in, sorry.
A mast step has very little force applied to it in the shear plane so location of the screws/through bolts are not critical. It sounds like redrilling your mast step will also lead to drilling "into" the edge of the existing holes on it so I would just move a little and drill new holes in the clear. My '82 has screws in the mast step, my '89 had through bolts. Through bolts are probably better because any leak will come on through and not rot your deck core. Screws can let a leak go on undetected. Remember that will SS you drill deliberately and quickly... push on through it. I use cobalt bits.

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.