[Public-List] How does the top mast step bolt to the lower mast step plate on older boats?

[Rachel]

On #221, the top plate was attached to the main step by four bolts,  
which were tapped into the lower plate (only).  I will e-mail you a  
photo as mine looked original.

As I understand it, a mast base should only be in compression, with no  
side/fore/aft loading, and the bolts (or, in the case of other  
designs, keyway, or protrusion) should be more of a locating device  
and not meant to withstand sailing forces.

Rachel
ex-#221


On May 24, 2010, at 11:04 AM, Jeffrey wrote:

> I've finally addressed taking off my mast step plate to see what's
> under there. Deck is hard and sound, but any old sealant is dry and
> dusty. Seagrass is an older boat, so the lower plate was held in with
> six flat head bolts, the center two going right through to the cabin


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