Doug,
The mast partners should be flat and a good place to measure level. It's easy to rotate a level there. So you don't have to guess center, drop the plumb 4 times and market fore, aft, port and starboard, then find the center of those.
To make sure the base plate is true fore and aft, tie a line from the bow plate to the stern chainplate, fairly tight. After you place the plate, step back into the cockpit and sight it through the line. Adjust if needed before screwing.
It's a good idea to epoxy the screw holes. Drill pilot holes, run the screws in, remove, epoxy the holes with a small brush, and run the screws back in. It should cure waterproof. Drain holes in the cabin floor are a good idea, aft of the step, also
epoxied.
Stainless screws are fine, the largest that will fit the plate, by 1 1/2" or shorter. The floor isn't that thick.
Take your time, and good luck!
Jon Simpson
Ensign 160
Region 1 Commander
Sent from my Verizon Smartphone
On Oct 21, 2018 3:10 AM, Ensign Sailing Forum <ensignsailing@ensignclass.com> wrote:
Message Details
Subject: Placement of new mast step
Esteemed Ensign Experts,
I recently bought a project boat in which I assume the floor under the mast had been redone. The owner sold the boat to me before the mast step was reseated. So, I need to properly locate the new mast step and screw it in place. A few steps of this process
have me scratching my head. I believe I first have to level the boat, then use a plumb bob to mark plumb underneath the middle of the mast hole in the deck. Then locate the mast step underneath the plumb mark. Then, screw the metal mast plate in place.
Does that sound right?
If so, I have a few questions about this:
1) what is the best practice for measuring level on the boat? Is there a certain location to place the level, both laterally and longitudinally?
2) What screws do I use to screw the base down to the deck?
3) Is there something I should do to the deck or screws first to prevent moisture from getting down into the screw holes and rotting out the new flooring?
I looked online for guidance, but didn't find anything that answered these questions - but, of course, I'd gladly take a link to a video or an article that explains it! Thanks in advance!
Return To Top