| Author | Message | ||
     Scott Corder (Pastcommodore) Rating: N/A |
Jeff, We have, of course, spoken several times regarding some of these issues and I share your concerns. Here are a few comments from my mast step experience. The main thing seems in my mind to be this: if you are going to re-build the mast step it is probably best (and easiest) to simply remove the old step and start over with fresh materials. If you remove the old step intact, you can use it as a pattern for new components. Although I used stainless to fabricate a new step, several people have wisely suggested using mahogany laminated to the width required (each layer thoroughly soaked in West epoxy). Any yard worth their salt should be able to fabricate an item that size at a reasonable price. Obviously, if you remove the step to repair it (replace it), pulling the keel nuts at the leading egde will no longer be a problem (as you will have removed the obstructing materials). Having rebuilt my step, I can confidently say it is not likely to save you lots of money in the long run to attempt to patch the existing mast step. Besides, that's the one area you probably want to make last a "lifetime" so it warrants a thorough effort. Let the stringers be where you work with the existing materials to save some time and money. We did, in fact, drop my keel as part of my mast step re-build. We found nothing of negative merit. The top of the keel cleaned up just fine and the bedding area showed no sign of damage (in spite of a healthy separation crack and tremendous flexing going on prior to the fix). I don't recall what the original nuts were made out of but the original keel bolts cleaned up just fine. Because we extended my keel bolts to attach to the stainless stringers we built for my bilge, we did not re-use the old nuts anyway. We instead fabricated "extension" rods that threaded over the old bolts (obviously larger diameter rod than the bolts) and then used stainless nuts of a larger size to attach to the stainless stringer tabs (still under the floorboard level). I think you and I have discussed this (and I have described it in length in other posts to the board). Also, my keel only has six bolts vs the eight on most others, but you do not have to worry about that. If, in fact you have to cut the old nuts off, it's probably just as well since you'll want fresh nuts anyway. My experience is that re-bedding a keel is not a real expensive process. Still, you want to end up with the best fix if you're going to spend any money at all on the mast step itself. Interesting sidebar: If you pull the keel, you should find its original weight stamped on the top surface. I'd say the seller should give you a couple grand off the price. Pushing for a 3-5k reduction may be a little optimistic. I know you're alot like me in your expectations so please don't think I'm trying to play "wise old salty dog" when I say a little compromise (when justified) is not the worst result (both in the purchase and the yard work). Few, if any, of the boats out there have pristine bilges. Besides, my preference is to know a repair is done to MY standards (as opposed to trusting someone else's past judgement on a previous effort). I don't mind paying a little more in the end if I get to supervise a repair for the long term. In the big picture, it sounds like the rest of the boat is pretty up to snuff so it's probably a sound purchase if the seller gives you at least a respectful compromise. There are alot of boats around here with original mast steps that are still competitive (go figure!). As always, feel free to call me direct! Scott 616-732-3400 ofc 616-866-2670 hm |
