[frers-list]RE: MAST STEP

[Albert Francis X NSSC]

Got some answers on the item below:

First it's a big job.  Not too technically difficult but the area under the
mast is all glassed in and has to be cut away then cleaned out of all the
old material and then the new stuff put in.  Couple of options involved in
the repair.  Replace with teak strips on end encased in glass, or solid
glass (would add weight to the boat) or solid carbon fiber (more expensive
materials but a lot less weight).  The last two repairs will be very long
lasting ones since there would be nothing to rot should water get in there
again.

Cost will depend on amount of work done by yard vs. owner.  Anywhere between
$1,800 and $3,000.  
Rig is stable with additional tensioning of the side stays and loosening of
the mast stay attached to the deck.  Mast is compressing the floor pan and
the material directly under the mast but cannot push through the hull.

Thanks,
Frank

 -----Original Message-----
From: 	Albert Francis X NSSC  
Sent:	Thursday, August 19, 2004 12:35
To:	'frers-list@lists.frers33.com'
Subject:	MAST STEP


With all the talk about mast step problems I was concerned about mine.
After a close review of my mast step it appears the walls are rising.
Actually the walls are not rising the step is compressing and that can only
mean one thing what ever (I believe it's teak) is under that fiberglass is
compressing and the mast is going down.  I've got a crack in the fiberglass
liner near the floor port and starboard near the front of the main cabin.
That confirms that the mast is pushing the liner downward.  My question to
the group is I know I need to fix this so what does it cost, how long will
it take, and how bad or dangerous is it to continue to sail.

Thanks,
Frank Albert
RELENETLESS 41621