Installing Masthead Stuff

[emandvee44]

When we bought our boat in late 2008, we had the mast taken down and some work carried out, unfortunately when we were not present. The original masthead light was replaced, and the original side mounted vhf antenna was replaced with a v-tronix hawk on the centreline.

We have recently taken down the mast again and now can see what a poor installation was made 5 years ago! ( I am not allowed up the mast anymore)




View attachment 38213View attachment 38214View attachment 38215View attachment 38216


The vhf/hawk has been installed on a stainless plate which also has drillings for a masthead light and raymarine wind transducer block. However, our masthead plate is 15 deg. angled (Selden), and the mounting plate was not made for an angled masthead plate, so was not used to install the new led light or raymarine wind transducer block.

From the images you can see that the light and Raymarine base were fitted to a piece of scrap aluminium plate which was installed to provide a horizontal platform. The plate was fixed to the forward face of the mast by one stainless self tapping screw, the aft end was fixed by two stainless self tappers, but not through holes, as the plate was not wide enough. The screws were located in semi circles at the plate edge. They were also completely seized and had to be drilled out.

My Question – what is the solution to put everything right, and to a good standard?

Selden have suitable mast head fittings in their catalogue, but I would appreciate any input from the Forum. We need to retain the v-tronix /hawk, and the nav. Light and Raymarine block more or less in the original positions.

Thanks,

Michael.

 

[VicS]

I am thinking along the lines of a shaped flat plate ( aluminium but thicker than the existing "thing") which oversails the back of the masthead crane with the overhang bent to form a horizontal platform for the VHF/Hawk.

A Selden mounting, or a copy of one, for the light. Either mounted in front of the above plate or bolted on with it using the same holes and fastenings. It looks as though the light ought to be a little higher than at present

Not clear from the pictures what is required for the wind transducer block. Nothing elaborate if its only a connector block for the wiring.

 

[prv]

I am thinking along the lines of a shaped flat plate ( aluminium but thicker than the existing "thing") which oversails the back of the masthead crane with the overhang bent to form a horizontal platform for the VHF/Hawk.

That's exactly what I have. Not a special marine item, it's just a chunk of stitch-plate cut into a rectangle and bent to shape so that the VHF antenna stands vertically.

Pete

 

[Fantasie 19]

That's exactly what I have. Not a special marine item, it's just a chunk of stitch-plate cut into a rectangle and bent to shape so that the VHF antenna stands vertically.

Pete

Pete - for my education.. what's "stitch-plate"?? When I google it I get either sewing machine parts or a rope brake for climbing ..

 

[prv]

Pete - for my education.. what's "stitch-plate"??

Hmm, that's what I first encountered it as, I assume because the pattern looks like sewing through metal. But you're right, the world at large seems to prefer chequer plate.

Pete

 

[Fantasie 19]

Hmm, that's what I first encountered it as, I assume because the pattern looks like sewing through metal. But you're right, the world at large seems to prefer chequer plate.

Pete

Now if you'd said "the stuff they patch Landrovers up with", I'd have known what you meant... ta...

 

[Norman_E]

When you fit the new plate avoid self tapping screws. Instead drill the mast top and tap the holes. Screw in studs made of 316 stainless threaded rod and lock them with nuts, put the new plate on the studs and hold it down with washers and 316 nyloc nuts. That way if you ever need to take it off you can do. I would not use chequer plate but buy a piece of aluminium plate about 4 mm thick. After cutting and bending to shape and drilling all holes, take it to someone who can anodise it.

 

[chewi]

I had to make an adapter for my masthead ( Zspars), and did so with Tufnol, which works well, no need to anodise, no rust, no stainless.
It's really handy stuff.

 

[emandvee44]

Masthead Stuff

Not clear from the pictures what is required for the wind transducer block. Nothing elaborate if its only a connector block for the wiring.

Thanks for all the suggestions and as you can see I am having a really exciting Christmas Eve

The wind transducer block can be seen hanging off in one of the pictires, taken after I had dismounted it. The Raymarine blocks have two bolt holes, and should be mounted on a reasonably rigid base, as the transducer /arm would at times impart enough force to make the whole assembly wobble/vibrate if the base was not rigid enough.

I have now come up with a design for a single unit to incorporate all three items, in stainless steel, and which would be bolted to the masthead plate utilising 4 of the existing bolts. However,finding a workshop to fabricate it will probably not be easy. It could be fabricated in aluminium plate, in which case I could make it myself with basic tools. I am thinking 4 or 5mm thick plate.

If I succeed, I will post pictures on the Forum.

Merry Christmas to all,

Michael.