#1
IP: 73.129.213.235
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mast to mast base corrsosion
corrosion between mast base and bottom of mast tube will not allow me to separate the two, even after screws were removed or drilled out if they sheared. I've saturated the base with pb baster, but other than a few air bubbles at the joint, no movement.
my mast base is cast aluminum, and has a insert for the deck about the size of a snickers bar. I put a wrench on this part and tried to shake and move the base with no luck. Top mast cap came out fine, lower one has seen more salt water. Suggestions? James |
#2
IP: 24.152.132.65
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Is the mast off the boat on horses? Mast length?
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Neil 1977 Catalina 30 San Pedro, California prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22 Had my hands in a few others |
#3
IP: 24.224.194.51
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Any Pictures?
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Mo "Odyssey" 1976 C&C 30 MKI The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The realist adjusts the sails. ...Sir William Arthur Ward. |
#4
IP: 73.129.213.235
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mast is on horses on the ground and 37 feet in length. Pictures tomorrow.
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#5
IP: 24.152.132.65
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Buy 10' sticks of the cheapest ˝" metal pipe you can find, 4 of them. Insert them into the mast from the top, threading each length to the last until the assembled length reaches the mast step. A few love taps with a hammer should do the trick. Roll the mast between taps to work evenly around the mast step. PVC is too flexible to transfer the striking force over 40 feet effectively.
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Neil 1977 Catalina 30 San Pedro, California prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22 Had my hands in a few others |
#6
IP: 73.129.213.235
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A friend with a boat at the yard brought an electrician's fishing wire that we used to thread the new coax the length of the mast. First attempt the shepherd's crook at the end of the wire caught the wiring for the mast light and broke it, so now I have to replace that too
one step forward... James |
#7
IP: 148.74.164.249
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Quote:
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#8
IP: 72.194.223.97
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I vote for heat + impact with a metal pipe down the mast. If you are near the water be careful the base does not land in the water should it pop loose.
I've been around this mulberry bush stripping the end fittings off a boom. Heat from a propane torch and impact did the trick. TRUE GRIT |
#9
IP: 73.129.213.235
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we got the wire unstuck and eventually threaded the new coax. pulling the base off wasn't necessary.
James |
#10
IP: 24.152.132.65
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How do you re-step the mast with the base stuck on it?
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Neil 1977 Catalina 30 San Pedro, California prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22 Had my hands in a few others |
#11
IP: 72.194.223.97
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How did you unstep the mast with the base stuck on it?
Neil: Isn't the base attached to the boat in some way or am I not remembering correctly? Would a keel mounted mast make any difference? TRUE GRIT |
#12
IP: 24.152.132.65
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Quote:
Following James' thread I could not help but think a stuck mast step is not a normal condition so with the mast on horses this is the ideal time to deal with it. It's reasonable to assume the mast end has been corroded, probably on the inside where it cannot be seen, the reason the step is stuck. There is no greater force on a sailboat than mast compression so if it were me I'd want that area to be as pristine as humanly possible and to that end step removal, careful inspection and possible remediation would be high on my project list. Remediation might be as simple as drilling water drain holes to keep the step area as dry as possible. Like I said, now is the time. Sorry for preaching James, just expressing my concern.
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Neil 1977 Catalina 30 San Pedro, California prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22 Had my hands in a few others Last edited by ndutton; 08-28-2017 at 11:50 PM. |
#13
IP: 72.194.223.97
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Isn't there a product that acts as a barrier to electrolysis between metals?
When I had my mast dropped years ago my rigger used something like that. I think it was aluminalstic? My rigger suggested it so there would not be electrolysis between the mast and the step. TRUE GRIT Last edited by JOHN COOKSON; 08-29-2017 at 12:54 AM. |
#14
IP: 24.152.132.65
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I prefer NOALOX, an anti-oxidant compound used in the electrical industry for aluminum wire terminations. Even Home Depot carries it.
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Neil 1977 Catalina 30 San Pedro, California prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22 Had my hands in a few others |
#15
IP: 73.129.213.235
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the mast base fits into a space on the deck. I will continue to try to remove the base and address the corrosion.
Thank you for the replies and concern, James |
#16
IP: 24.152.132.65
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Is there a picture available of the deck where the step goes?
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Neil 1977 Catalina 30 San Pedro, California prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22 Had my hands in a few others |
#17
IP: 73.129.213.235
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partial pic
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#18
IP: 24.152.132.65
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Do I understand the part stuck in the mast has a rectangular tenon that mates to the pictured mortise? If yes, that explains the re-stepping question quite well.
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Neil 1977 Catalina 30 San Pedro, California prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22 Had my hands in a few others |
#19
IP: 72.194.223.97
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This might work:
Having a crew member apply heat with a torch while you use a hammer to impact. Be sure to use a piece of wood between the mast and the hammer so you don't tear up the mast. TRUE GRIT |
#20
IP: 73.129.213.235
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Quote:
If the affected area was irrigated and made to vibrate could the corrosion be removed that way from the joint? pb blaster or some other penetrant and movement James |
#21
IP: 24.152.132.65
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Anything is possible I suppose but 'taint nuthin like the battering ram described earlier.
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Neil 1977 Catalina 30 San Pedro, California prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22 Had my hands in a few others |
#22
IP: 72.194.223.97
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Quote:
Pounding on stuff is psychologically satisfying. Just don't over do it................. TRUE GRIT |
#23
IP: 73.129.213.235
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Taught my last class, got on the bike and headed to the boatyard. With mallet and screwdriver, and copious amounts of pb blaster, I was able to get the base off and cleaned.
found out that an ear on the mast top casting is cracked. 3/16 stainless plate coming to make matching covers for both sides of the casting that I'll drill for the backstay James Last edited by Hymodyne; 08-31-2017 at 05:08 PM. |
#24
IP: 24.152.132.65
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I suggest reassembling with a coat of NOALOX between the mast extrusion and the shoe to check the corrosion and adding 3/8" drain holes on both sides so water that accumulates inside the mast has a way out.
How does the corrosion look on the inside of the extrusion?
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Neil 1977 Catalina 30 San Pedro, California prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22 Had my hands in a few others |
#25
IP: 73.129.213.235
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interior spaces are ok, once cleaned up. I plan to re assemble with an anti corrosive in place between cast base and mast extrusion.
James |
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