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mast repair

PostPosted: Sun Jun 07, 1998 12:00 am
by Guest
Just was given a '68 Day Sailor in great shape! Except for a broken step-hinge.Option #1.... Would it be advisable to cut the damaged portion of the mast (approx. 1 inch) and re-attach the step, which is in good shape, with a stainless steel bolt? The step was ripped off the bottom of the mast with the rivets, which in turn damaged the rivet holes on the bottom of mast. Option #2... Any merit to having the step welded on the bottom of mast? Which I have access to a friend who can properly weld aluminium. Would appreciate any input...Thanks


Joe Phillips (biggs-at-usa.net)

PostPosted: Sun Jun 07, 1998 12:00 am
by Guest
The step-hinge does sometimes break or bend. If you weld it that will make any future repairs more difficult. Make sure the cut is straight if you cut the inch off.

Ken Balentine (Balen-at-bellatlantic.net)

PostPosted: Tue Jun 09, 1998 12:00 am
by Guest
If the bottom of the mast section is not badly bent (ie: you can hammer it back into shape to fit the base casting) I would say DON'T cut the mast. Go to a good hardware store and get some new #10 pop rivets. Aluminum w/aluminum pins are fine. Stainless steel w/stainless steel pins are better if you can get them. If you don't have (access to) a pop rivet gun but can get drive (pin) rivets those are fine too. Just drill holes to attach the (new) base casting (which should be bolted to the new hinge plate) with at least two rivets.

Keith Bay (kabay-at-execpc.com)

PostPosted: Sun Jun 14, 1998 12:00 am
by Guest
I "toppled" my mast last year and over the winter bought a new step-hinge from Dwyer mast Co.. I took the lower portion to a machine shop and had them saw off 1 inch. I then re-drilled and installed SS screws. I have a pop-rivet gun and SS rivets and I used some of those where I didn't like the screw fit. Anyway works great. The forestay and shrouds are adjustable so you shouldn't have too much of a problem with a minor cut-off.

Jeff (Lakeleach-at-clarityconnect.com)