Mast step

[camanche73]

So today I went out to the investigator- to find my mast in the water! Broken shroud and rig splayed everywhere!
However, I am lucky in that the only damage appears to be a broken mast step- which brings me to the point of my post...
Does anybody know where I can source another mast step from?

Ron

[no way]

I think you'll find this is the source of a new mast step
Keeleys Marine Supplies
Factory 26
Horsecraft Place
Moorabin Vic.
03 9555 4965.

Me, I had my fabricator make one up out of stainless and at the same time provide me with tangs to mount turning blocks for halyards to be fed back to cockpit.

[Mark]

No way could you possibly post a pic of your ss mast step, i have been considering getting one made in ss also
Thanks
Mark

[camanche73]

I like the idea of being able to attach tangs to the stainless step, however I am glad my cast aluminum one broke so easily as it prevented any damage to the mast and cabin top.
I'm not sure that stainless would of had the same end result

[Yara50]

Ron,
See also http://www.investigator563.com/forum/vi ... =mast+step

If you have no luck with Keeley marine, I might have a spare at home.
Ian

[snoopebj]

Coincidentally I just bought a mast step from Bob Keeley last week $67 inc. post. Great service old school pride in his work - virtually non existent these days.
My step was steel and rusted out cracking along the uprights. I also suspect it caused my mast plug to break last year as you said being the stronger metal. Bob was dubious about stainless steps for the same reason and causing corrosion between the dissimilar metals.
Cheers

[no way]

Some Pics
Note that the mast base is still ally casting which is still the weak point if that's really an issue

[Steve]

I just welded mine up after noticing a crack, cracked not because of being under engineered but cracked because of failure of rigging or carelessness in stepping the mast. Any how, a very simple piece to get machine up or repaired if required.

Steve

[snoopebj]

I think you've hit on the cause of these failures Steve
(reminds me of my favourite TV show "air crash investigations")
After initial problems I've been using ratchet tie -downs as temp. baby stays when stepping the mast . I don't bother when the car park is flat. Any deviation from the vertical puts a great strain on the mast base and step.
Case closed
Maybe?