The mast step in my Flying Fifteen has worked loose. When I tried to remove it, two of the forward fixing screws sheared off rather than screwed out, creating even more movement, as it is now held in by just two screws aft.

Would anyone have any tips for removing the screw stubs left within the deck, doing the least damage possible? I'm thinking drill out and fill with epoxy, but wondering if there are better methods.

Thanks in advance!

Thanks for your very quick response Sam.

The problem is that the screws (they look like low-grade stainless, and much lighter than I would have expected) are broken beneath the surface, so I have no way to grip them externally.

The other two have already been removed and replaced with new stainless screws, up one size.

Edit :- * Yup, Dremmel obviously though I know a drummer who might do it...........

What's a drummer?

Apart from that, looks like a drill and fill!

Thanks Sam and didlydon both. All a bit scary.

I'm thinking of taking a swerve and drilling two new holes in the mast step. It'll be a bit weaker, but the attachment to the boat a bit stronger, I reckon.

Hi Wobble

Sorry don't know FF very well can you bolt it down instead of screws?

Also remember that the odds of it working on the shaft of a screw is slim at best even if you get a decent one. If the screw is well enough stuck to shear then it'll need a fair bit of grip to remove it so go in with plenty of heat before attempting.

Gordon, nowhere to bolt to, as there's no opposing face to tighten against. These screws go into the meat of the hull spine.

I've used a thread extractor on an engine bolt before, but never on a screw. I have my doubts that they would work, given how fast the screw stumps are.

I'm going to take some time next week to look at the boat more closely, and decide what to do then. I don't think it's a killer problem -- just want to do the best job possible.

the hardest part is drilling the stainless screw. Ideally you need to flatten the top of the screw and use a centre punch before starting to drill.

A small drill will be required to start, with stainless use constant pressure and fairly low rpm and some form of lubrication. If you don't the metal will work harden and the drill bit will soon become blunt. Obviously be careful of too much pressure and breaking the drill

It maybe the full removal, and repositioning would be the best bet. Maybe consider using another suppliers mast step with different hole positions?

Hope you get it sorted

cheers

  

I had the same issue in an FF, no one to blame but myself as I fitted the hull out from new.

I never tried to get the broken screws out, my screws had been installed with epoxy as lube/sealant from new so no extract tool would get them out. Just re drill the the alloy mast heel when it is removed, counter sink holes and put screws a size larger in different positions. It is an FF, a couple of grams in the hog will not make the boat over weight.

This guy looks like he may have the answer. You may have to search to find the right tools though.

Exactly. The guy in the (excellent BTW) video had it easy with all the tools including access to a lathe to make his drill guides, and sheared bolts with not a sign of corrosion. Not saying he was not skilled and a video of him waiting for penetrating oil penetrating would be worse than one of paint drying but.......

If other methods fail then I too would drill oversize and use a plug of new wood too.

Personally, I like the hole saw suggestion. Simple and effective.

I agree WRT the hole saw technique if all else fails, an elegant solution.