Loose mast step bolts.

[moonie1]

I have recently purchased a 20 year old, 25ft yacht and found that the mast tabernacle bolts were not bedded into the fibre glass and could be pulled out by hand. What would be the best way to refit the bolts? Bed them with a strong marine adhesive or bolt them through the deck with backing plates? There are no cracks in the gelcoat on the step but there are, in the internal roof lining below the mast, would this indicate structural damage?
Thanks.

 

[Malish]

Hi

I think you need to provide us with more details - make of boat etc.

From my experience most tabernacles are through bolted with nuts beneath the deck. Had a similar experience with a '79 Moody - found that most of the nuts had fallen off!! - re-secured with plenty of nut lock. This may not apply to all yachts, hence the request for more details

 

[moonie1]

Hi Moonfire,
The boat is a Dehler 25.

 

[William_H]

If the mast step is the hinged type which allows the mast to be lowered to an A frame or support at the transom then be careful.
Under normal sailing all pressure is downward so you need hardly any fixing of the mast step. But if you lower the mast then the Cof gravity of the mast will be aft of the A frame or mast support and the foot of the mast will want to rise (detatch). not fun at all.
I accompanied a friend on a 20 fter for a first venture under the bridges at Fremantle. The mast lowered fine until suddenly all the bolts in the mast step let go due to loss of copper in brass 1/4 inch bolts. It was a case of jump on the bottom of the mast and press down before the lot went in the water behind the boat.
So I don't know your boat buyt if the step is of this configuration (very convenient) then through bolts and big washers/backing plate is needed.
good luck olewill

 

[Norman_E]

[ QUOTE ]
There are no cracks in the gelcoat on the step but there are, in the internal roof lining below the mast, would this indicate structural damage?
Thanks.

[/ QUOTE ]

This could indicate that the downward pressure on the mast has caused the deck to flex and damage the internal lining. Most boats have some arrangement to take this pressure, either a compression post, or the mast fitted over a bulkhead. If your boat does not have such an arrangement it is difficult to know what to suggest. If there is a compression post or bulkhead you need to ensure that the mast is actually being supported, i.e. with no gaps. I have known one boat that needed its wood compression post replacing because either it had shrunk, or the hull/deck shape had altered over the years so that there was a gap at the top of the compression post.

 

[Lakesailor]

I had these problems with my Foxcub.
I have a range of pics of the problem and solution, which was to install an adjustable compression post to push the cabin top back up.
They are on the Foxcub Site . As it's a Yahoo Groups you need to register, but it's painless.
They are in the Photos section under "Phil's Mk 1"