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Mast Step

April 23, 2005 -- Update. The mast step is a problem with many older T27's. The mast step on Keeldragger rotted out. The mast step compressed about 1/2". As a result, it was no longer possible to get proper tension on the shrouds and stays. It's also possible that the standing rigging stretched a bit over the years. My plan was to rebuild the mast step this Spring, and then replace the standing rigging in the fall.

Well, the mast step rebuild project has been pushed back until fall. Once the boat is splashed, I seem to forget about all of these grandiose projects and get the fever to go sailing. So, I've shimmed the mast step with a 1 x 6 maple board. This gives me enough vertical lift on the mast to tension the shrounds and stays. Hopefully it will last until fall, when I will pull the stick of the season and completely rebuild the mast step.

Here's the stiff leg. I was going to use this to pull the mast, but I don't trust the tower on top. It looks a bit rusty and weak, so I'll probably have to hire a crane.

Looking at the front of the mast. You can see a greyish base for the mast step. I believe this is a glassed in piece of wood which has rotted and compressed. Observe the connection for the mast grounding/lightening protection on the aluminum mast step plate. This connects to the head. Note to self: Do not take a crap in a thunderstorm.

View from the aft part of the mast step. You can easily see the rotten base for the mast step.

The grime and dirt is mostly due to mud dobbers. I seem to get a lot of mud dobber wasps on the boat every year. They are are very benign except for the mud.

Mast raised with a 1" x 6" maple board. Yes, I am very aware that this is not the right way to fix the mast step.