[DolfinBill]

We pulled the mast on out Crealock 37 last week and discovered that the LeFiell mast step needs to be replaced. I tried removing it but the forward bolt (of the two holding the mast step) seems to disappear into the oak compression post. The nut for the rear bolt was accessible just aft of the post after unfastening some headliner but the forward bolt is a mystery. Was it installed before the compression post and thus cannot be removed or is it a lag bolt that actually threads into the post. I have turned it but nothing happens so it seems there is a hidden nut on the other end.

I could just saw it off and then install the new mast step with one or two lag screws in new positions but would like to know what I'm dealing with first. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Bill Meanley
sv Dolfin, Crealock 37
#160, 1984
San Diego

 

[niftynickers]

mast step

Several years ago I replaced the mast step on NiftyNickers.There are nuts on the bolts they are not lag bolts.In order to access the nut it is necessary to cut into the compression post about 1/4 the way in from the head side.I used a Dremel tool and carefully excavated the wood around the nut enough to get a wrench onto the nut.After replacing the step I used epoxy with thickener to fill the gap figuring that I'll never have to go there again.

Good luck,
Dianne and Chuck Burke S/V NiftyNickers C37 #139

 

[jnewcomer]

Bill,

I concur with NiftyNickers. Here's part of a post I did in Feb 2014 re: mast painting. Rodney is the contact at LeFiell for ordering a new mast step. You should also isolate the new step from the SS plate with some UHMW material to avoid corrosion. I also removed the SS plate for polishing and re-bedding. This involves pulling down some more headliner in the cabin. I've attached a pic of the new step on the plate before installation.

The aluminum base of our 1980 LeFiell mast did not have a standpipe to keep rain water from going down the compression post. I'd strongly recommend ordering a new base from LeFiell with the standpipe. Ours came painted white for about $50. Getting the mast bases off (SS & aluminum) involves taking down part of the headliner to get at the bolts and removing some wood at the top of the compression post in the head. If you want more details on this let me know.​

Hope this is of some use.

John
s/v Pelagic
1980 C37 Yawl (#22)
Lying Lake Union, Seattle