Removing the mast foot

[MTC]

Hi

I am trying to remove the aluminium foot from the base of a mast from a Hurley 24. I have drilled out the four rivets but the footplate is firmly stuck! Does anyone have any experience of doing this and how did you go about it? I need to get cables in the mast, but some previous owner has filled it with foam or something like that.

Thanks

 

[Lakesailor]

Is it just corrosion that is holding it in place?
Try copious amounts of boiling water poured over the fitting as a starter.

Can you drill a hole in the end and fit a slide hammer (cheap enough at motor factors, get one with a coarse thread) That should provide a shock in the right direction.

 

[ShipsWoofy]

If I ad an ammer!

I used a lump hammer, don't mess about with little pin hammers, you need to shock it and get it moving. A 2lb lump hammer with a block of wood to protect the tongue on the base.

If the base is flush with the mast, then I have never experienced this, sorry.

 

[boatbuilder]

Brake fluid is a good releasing fluid for corroded ally , but be carefull !!

 

[William_H]

I have had similar problems with inserted spinnacker pole ends and boom ends. You should not attempt the job unless there is no way around it.
You should be prepared to destroy the mast foot and the bottom of the mast section if you proceed. (you can shorten the mast by I imagine 2 inches and make up with a block under the tabernacle or shorten the stays.
The corrosion of aluminium is very strong unless someone has treated it with jointing compound when first fitted.
If you proceed yes a large hammer is the only way. If that fails cut off the bottom of the mast and peel away from the mast step the mast material bit by bit. (and have a shorter mast)
In other words find a new outlet for the cables. good luck olewill

 

[tamara]

I removed mine last year to insert new wiring, it had been in place for nearly 27 year. You need a large blunt chisel and a four pound hammer, work your way round the base a couple of inches apart and it will come out slowly don't get too ambishes, once out give it a good clean off with a wire brush same inside to have a nice sliding fit for re-assembly.