Mast Stepping for C&C MK1 30'

[jimmoser]

Looking at a CC30 MK1 circa 1975.

Surveyor checked out boat. Worst he found was a sag in the mast stepping. Surveyor could not see under the mast. So my questions are: what's under the mast and how much to repair it?

I understand that a crane is required to lift the mast so that might run $500, just not sure what to expect to see under it.

Appreciate any wisdom you can shed on me.

[RobGallagher]

I repaired/replaced the mast step on my '72.
It's not a big job, just a pain in the ass.

To the best of my recollection:
Under the wooden block you will find to plywood supports cut to fit sit in the bilge. They will probably be rotting from soaking up bilge water all these years. It's deep bilge under the mast.

I removed the rotting wood and fashioned cardboard models. Took the models to a wood shop and had him cut new ones from marine grade plywood. The shop had to glue 2 or 3 layers of plywood to make the thickness work.

I tested them to make sure everything fit properly then coated the marine plywood with epoxy to seal it. I then glassed them into the bilge. Done.

Under the wooden block the mast sits on you might find a stainless steel plate...I think the previous owner installed this on my boat, I don't think it was factory, but I could be wrong. If you find the plate, let me know, I always wondered about that.

I also took this opportunity to install a simple bilge pump under the mast way down deep in that bilge. Water collect there and it's hard to get out. I think my boat smells better for this

All in all, about two long days of labor, not including fabricating the new wood.

If you do it right, you will never have to mess with it again. Sadly, it's one of the few things the factory did wrong on that boat. Otherwise, it's a great boat!

Any questions, please don't hesitate to ask I'm in Mystic CT.

[jimmoser]

Thanks much. This is really helpful. Not knowing what was involved was keeping me from buying this boat. This was the only concern the marine surveyor found. I'm a lot more confident now. Again thanks.

[pirateman54]

If you step the mast remeber to rerig rewire and anything else while its out. I mean check everythingthing before they stick it. You won't regret it it later.

[old-sailer]

Originally Posted by jimmoser

Thanks much. This is really helpful. Not knowing what was involved was keeping me from buying this boat. This was the only concern the marine surveyor found. I'm a lot more confident now. Again thanks.

Just so you know... the old girl I purchased had the same problem, the step was rotten. I had it done professionally. They removed a hunk of the glass flooring around the step, replaced the wood and then replaced the glass floor. You'd never know it had been touched. Beautiful job. Further the new step is totally encased now in fiberglass so it will never rot again. The cost: $1,000. Was it worth it.. absolutely. They did the job better than I ever could.

[jtsails]

Rob,
The '72 30 that we had came with a solid wood step. When we replaced it we used a combination wood/SS plate and never had any further issues
James