Re: [Cal_Boats] Mast Step Plate

Neil: I installed one of Steve Seals plates a few years ago. I took the plate and step to a machine shop and used the step as the template to drill the plate. Note that I also had to trim about 1/16th from each end of the step in order for it to fit in the plate. Also, I think that the mast step is aluminum while the plate is stainless...keep that in mind when putting two dissimiliar metals in direct contact. Les Hester 3-29 #1005 Bay Breeze Swan Creek, Md. From: "Neil McBride" <n-… [at] shaw.ca> I pulled the mast off my Cal 2-29 today and will be re-rigging and installing new wiring and lights etc. Before restepping the mast I plan on installing the Mast Step Plate sold by Seal's Spars and Rigging, but have a question. Do I remove the existing mast step and them install the existing mast step onto the new stainless mast step plate? The new mast step plate does not have anything that will hold the mast in position so thought that might be the way to go. Neil Optima (Cal 2-29) Victoria

Les is right. Some Lanocote should go between the two pieces to cut the reaction. One tub of the stuff can last a lifetime. Also with a new batch of drill bits, some tapping oil, and some elbow grease on the old Craftsman drill, I did the holes myself. I think the Les approach is worth it. No trimming needed for a CAL 25 step. Cheers Charlie From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com [mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of ld… [at] comcast.net Sent: Sunday, November 04, 2007 9:41 PM To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Cal_Boats] Mast Step Plate Neil: I installed one of Steve Seals plates a few years ago. I took the plate and step to a machine shop and used the step as the template to drill the plate. Note that I also had to trim about 1/16th from each end of the step in order for it to fit in the plate. Also, I think that the mast step is aluminum while the plate is stainless...keep that in mind when putting two dissimiliar metals in direct contact. Les Hester 3-29 #1005 Bay Breeze Swan Creek, Md. -------------- Original message -------------- From: "Neil McBride" <n-… [at] shaw.ca> I pulled the mast off my Cal 2-29 today and will be re-rigging and installing new wiring and lights etc. Before restepping the mast I plan on installing the Mast Step Plate sold by Seal's Spars and Rigging, but have a question. Do I remove the existing mast step and them install the existing mast step onto the new stainless mast step plate? The new mast step plate does not have anything that will hold the mast in position so thought that might be the way to go. Neil Optima (Cal 2-29) Victoria

Guys, I guess I just assumed that all 29s had the blocks mounted on the base of the mast that mine has. I can't do any photos because my mast is on the rack at my club for the winter. I have blocks for all the halyards, including spinnaker. But mine also has alumnium spreaders, which I've never seen on another 29. The boat was originally sailed in Detroit, and was raced there. David Dobbs, Cal29 411 ld… [at] comcast.net wrote: Neil: I installed one of Steve Seals plates a few years ago. I took the plate and step to a machine shop and used the step as the template to drill the plate. Note that I also had to trim about 1/16th from each end of the step in order for it to fit in the plate. Also, I think that the mast step is aluminum while the plate is stainless...keep that in mind when putting two dissimiliar metals in direct contact. Les Hester 3-29 #1005 Bay Breeze Swan Creek, Md. -------------- Original message -------------- From: "Neil McBride" <n-… [at] shaw.ca> I pulled the mast off my Cal 2-29 today and will be re-rigging and installing new wiring and lights etc. Before restepping the mast I plan on installing the Mast Step Plate sold by Seal's Spars and Rigging, but have a question. Do I remove the existing mast step and them install the existing mast step onto the new stainless mast step plate? The new mast step plate does not have anything that will hold the mast in position so thought that might be the way to go. Neil Optima (Cal 2-29) Victoria __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com