Enterprise Mast Step

   Hi. I've just bought a 1961 Enterprise and I'm concerned about the mast step. The slot is longer than the peg on the mast. There is a wooden block in the slot to shorten it and the step moves slightly; the screws are working loose. Should I replace the step to the correct size and how tight should the slot be around the peg? If I replace it I'm going to be tempted to put machine screws right through with nuts and spreader plate. The previous owner told me to put a second wooden block under the front lip of the mast!? See photos. Also the support from the keel to under the mast step has a wedge of wood at the top. Is this normal? Mast is Proctor. Apologies if terminology is not correct. Am new to all this.

Thanks for any help you can offer.      

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Davvy b Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 07 Oct 18 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 8	Post Options Post Reply Quote Davvy b Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Enterprise Mast Step Posted: 08 Oct 18 at 8:46pm
	Hi. I've just bought a 1961 Enterprise and I'm concerned about the mast step. The slot is longer than the peg on the mast. There is a wooden block in the slot to shorten it and the step moves slightly; the screws are working loose. Should I replace the step to the correct size and how tight should the slot be around the peg? If I replace it I'm going to be tempted to put machine screws right through with nuts and spreader plate. The previous owner told me to put a second wooden block under the front lip of the mast!? See photos. Also the support from the keel to under the mast step has a wedge of wood at the top. Is this normal? Mast is Proctor. Apologies if terminology is not correct. Am new to all this. Thanks for any help you can offer.

423zero Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 08 Jan 15 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419	Post Options Post Reply Quote 423zero Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 08 Oct 18 at 9:37pm
	I have same size mast step but my mast foot fits exactly, not sure why your foot is smaller, possibly a donor mast. New mast feet are available, plastic and other materials.

JimC Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 17 May 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 6660	Post Options Post Reply Quote JimC Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 08 Oct 18 at 9:48pm
	I'd make a new mast step out of plastic chopping board: its a very suitable material! Then you can cut it to match the tenon.

Davvy b Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 07 Oct 18 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 8	Post Options Post Reply Quote Davvy b Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 08 Oct 18 at 9:49pm
	Hi thanks where can I buy a new foot.

Davvy b Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 07 Oct 18 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 8	Post Options Post Reply Quote Davvy b Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 08 Oct 18 at 10:02pm
	If I make a new step should it be a tight fit

423zero Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 08 Jan 15 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419	Post Options Post Reply Quote 423zero Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 09 Oct 18 at 6:04am
	Make it a snug fit not tight, like Jimc says use chopping board, you can get one from Poundland.

MerlinMags Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Admin Group Joined: 19 Mar 04 Location: UK, Guildford Online Status: Offline Posts: 588	Post Options Post Reply Quote MerlinMags Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 09 Oct 18 at 8:07am
	No new foot needed - the aluminium end of the mast is fine.

Noah Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 29 Dec 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 611	Post Options Post Reply Quote Noah Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 09 Oct 18 at 10:02am
	"... The previous owner told me to put a second wooden block under the front lip of the mast!? See photos. Also the support from the keel to under the mast step has a wedge of wood at the top. Is this normal? " A 2nd block under the front lip will do nothing helpful as far as I can see. I also think that the wedge is not normal. The loads from the mast are intended to transfer thru the mast step and into the keel via the king post - that's the vertical timber(?) under the mast. I agree with the comments re using chopping board (of the right thickness, or layered) to make a new step with a mortise the right size for the tenon of your mast foot, and the machine screws idea isn't bad either. Just use nyloc nuts. When the rig is under tension the forces are trying to pull the sides of the boat together, and push the mast / king post thru the bottom of the boat. The structure should be capable of resisting these forces or bad things will happen :-( I would hope, however,. that you won't be putting too much tension into a 1961 boat.
	Nick D-Zero 316

Davvy b Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 07 Oct 18 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 8	Post Options Post Reply Quote Davvy b Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 09 Oct 18 at 11:46am
	Thanks Nick. It's the king post that has a small triangular wedge between underside of the deck and top of the post that I am most concerned with.Will get picture posted this evening. Will get some HDPE and use a router to cut slot.

423zero Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 08 Jan 15 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419	Post Options Post Reply Quote 423zero Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 09 Oct 18 at 5:56pm
	I would make one after seeing the price of a new one https://www.sailboats.co.uk/enterprise-mast-step-selden-w98m-x-113mm