Deck repair around the mast base is commonly needed on these aging boats. The bolts that hold the mast base down leak and the core is commonly rotten. This will manifest itself as cracks inside or outside, or visible "crushing" of the deck under the mast base. The repair is generally done from above, as there is a wooden interior support that makes it difficult to repair from below.

A typical repair involves removing the mast base, cutting out the top layer of deck and removing the (rotten) core for an area extending some distance beyond the mast base. The bottom layer of glass can be reinforced (from above) with tapered layers of glass. The core is replaced with hardwood or G-10. Taper the edges to avoid hard spots that will crack the deck again. The top layer is then glassed on and painted to match the deck.

Then the mast base is reattached with special care to prevent leaking at the fasteners.

This is not a horrible task, but it is a multi-step process requiring proper glass layup. Doing a good job will avoid revisiting this area again. Epoxy can be used, or vinylester (which has much faster drying times and is more receptive to touching the deck up with gel-coat).

Getting the mast base angle right should be easy. The deck should be returned to its original angle--which is flat with the surrounding area, and the folding mast base is mounted flat on the deck. Any adjustment to mast base angle would be done on the mast itself, but should be unnecessary if the mast base repair is done right.

Note that new mast bases (SS part with hinge) can be obtained from Ballenger spars for a reasonable price (in case yours is bent).

--brendan

:: I am thinking of repairing the deck step bracket for the
:: mast on top, there are no cracks on top but a slight one
:: on the underside of the deck. I think this nappened when
:: stepping the mast.
::
:: How do I ensure the angle is correct as this affects the
:: amount of rake on the mast.
::
:: Thanks

:: Don