Repair & maintenance: Laser mast step

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Laser mast step

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Repair & maintenance
Forum Discription: Questions & tips on the subject
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3114
Printed Date: 17 Aug 25 at 2:48am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Laser mast step

Posted By: ifoxwell
Subject: Laser mast step
Date Posted: 21 Jun 07 at 9:57am

Im sure this must have been discussed before however I cant find anything so...

Old Laser with a worn out mast step. The mast is still supported fine however it is starting to break through underneath.

So the question is can we get away with just epoxy’ing a disk in the bottom of the step. If so does some one make such a thing and where can we get it. If not what do people suggest?

Ian

Replies:

Posted By: Ian29937
Date Posted: 21 Jun 07 at 10:21am

Do you mean something like this?

http://www.c2marine.co.uk/carbo_discs.php - http://www.c2marine.co.uk/carbo_discs.php

Ian

Posted By: ifoxwell
Date Posted: 21 Jun 07 at 10:32am

Not really. that looks like something to prevent the damage in the first place... I was thinking more of something thicker and more heavy duty that could be bonded in place!

Posted By: jeffers
Date Posted: 21 Jun 07 at 11:29am

Ian,
The best way is to make an epoxy plug in the bottom of the step and then make good the underside of the hull. Epoxy mixed relatively thin with some microballons does the job very well just be careful getting it down the step (and make sure the step is clean and dry).

Then just make good the gelcoat underneath.

Once you have repaired it eat lots of pringles and chop the rim off the plastic cap, they are the perfect size for laser mast step protectors :-).

Paul

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Paul
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D-Zero GBR 74

Posted By: ifoxwell
Date Posted: 21 Jun 07 at 11:46am

Thanks Paul

That sounds like my kinda repair... I.e. cheap and with dinner included

How much do you suggest we use, how thick shoudl the slug at the bottom be?

Ian

Posted By: mike ellis
Date Posted: 21 Jun 07 at 12:55pm

i havent checked but is suspect there is something in the laser class rules about depth of mast step so be careful.

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600 732, will call it Sticks and Stones when i get round to it.
Also International 14, 1318

Posted By: jeffers
Date Posted: 21 Jun 07 at 3:55pm

I think the guy that did it to my old boat put between 1/2" to 1" in it. As Mike says watch the class rules but on a boat that has done this are you really worried?

You coul always get scientific and put the bottom section in and pull it up until you see the wear line and measure the difference (sounds too much like hard work to me) and then work out the volume of epoxy you would need and so on....

Almost as much work as taking it to the boat shop to get it fixed! This way is cheap and cheerful and will last as long as the hull will.

Paul

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Paul
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D-Zero GBR 74

Posted By: radixon
Date Posted: 21 Jun 07 at 7:50pm

If you are only using the boat for pleasure or club racing then I wouldn;t be too worried over the class rules. They usually only apply when at Open events.

Rooster Sailing also produce the same disc for use once the mast step has been sorted.

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Posted By: Garry
Date Posted: 23 Jun 07 at 3:18pm

You should be using polyester resin for the repair not epoxy as it will bond to the polyester resin used in the the construction of the boat much better.

Also make sure the plug in the bottom of your mast still has the cut aways as they are there to help protect the bottom of the mast step. Over time they wear down and if not replace just a small bit of grit can quickly wear away your step.

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Garry

Lark 2252, Contender 298

www.cuckoos.eclipse.co.uk