[C320-list] Mast blocks reprise

[Martin Bayly]

Can you clarify how the mast blocks are supposed to turn freely?  Did you
mean the SS stud and nut are supposed to be able to turn together in the
mast step, or that the SS stud must be able to turn in the threads of the
nut?

I checked mine this weekend and a couple of them were a bit tight so I
unscrewed and greased etc.  But I couldn't see how the stud and nut could
turn together once fitted.   Also if they could then I couldn't see how
you'd be able to undo the stud.

So my assumption is that you are supposed to screw the stud into the nut
then back it off a half turn or so to give it a bit of freedom to swivel?
But that would seem like it's going to put pressure on the threads?

Anyway, thanks for the tip and for any additional input you can give.

Cheers
Martin
Serendipity #1023

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Chris Burti
Sent: August 9, 2009 5:44 AM
To: 320
Subject: [C320-list] Mast blocks reprise

I was searching through some old emails and thought I would renew Jeff's
wise admonition for the newer member on the list.

See Below....


----- Original Message ----
From: Jeffrey Hare <Catalina at thehares.com>
To: C320-List <c320-list at catalina320.org>
Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2007 10:37:27 PM
Subject: [C320-list] Mast Step Blocks

Hi All,

  With a number of new owners on the list this year, and it's spring
commissioning time for lots of us in the cooler climates, I figured it's
time to re-broadcast the annual Mast Step Block maint. tip.

Apologies for those who've heard this before.

The blocks at the base of the mast have SS studs that screw into a SS nut
that slides into a slot under the mast step.  Since the nut and the stud are
Stainless, and the mast step is Aluminium, they are very subject to
corrosion, especially in salt water.


They need to be able to turn freely to keep from being bent under load.  I
suggest you unscrew each block (counter clockwise of course),  coat the
shaft of the stud and the threads with "TefGel" anti-sieze/anti-corrosion
grease and reinstall them.  If they do corrode and freeze up, it could be a
big job to correct.  After that, liberally spray the bearings of each block
with "Sail Kote".  You shouldn't have to remove the lines  to do this, just
have enough slack in them to allow the block to be twisted a half dozen
times or so.

-Jeff H.





--
Chris Burti Farmville, NC


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