[C320-list] Maintenance Tip: Mast Step Blocks/Studs

[Gary Magnuson]

Thanks Jeff for re-posting!   I don't remember ever seeing this Tip and 
I have owned Time A Weigh for 7 years all ready.  I have never touched 
them. Heading to the boat for the first time this season later this week 
and will definitely address this as a priority.
  I am also looking for a source for new Dutchman line.  One broke while 
bending on the sails.  Last repair I used string Trimmer replacement 
line, but this year, all of the string trimmer line seems to be color 
coded....

Thanks for the great resource and commentary!
Gary
#205

On 6/8/2015 8:46 AM, Jeff Hare wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> With a number of new owners on the list this year, it's time to re-broadcast
> the important annual Mast Step Block maintenance tip.  I can't remember if
> the newer MKII mast steps are the same as the older ones, so someone else
> can comment there.
>
> Apologies for those who've heard this before, but it's important and not
> always very obvious.
>
> The turning blocks attached to 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 Aluminum, the studs will
> corrode against the mast step plate and freeze up, faster 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),  and slide the
> nut out of the slot with a screwdriver.  Coat the stud and threads and the
> whole nut with "TefGel" anti-sieze/anti-corrosion grease and reinstall them.
> Without doing this they will corrode and freeze up and may require removing
> the mast and mast step to fix them!   After that, liberally spray the
> bearings of each block with "Sail Kote" or your favorite dry lube.
>
>   
>
> To do this simple maintenance job, you do not have to have to remove any of
> the lines, just loosen the lines to provide some slack.   When you screw
> them back in, screw them in all the way with your fingers until they stop
> then UNSCREW them one full turn.  This allows the blocks to pivot easily and
> stay fair to the pull of the line.
>
>   
>
> I didn't do this last year (maybe it's been 2 years?) and one of them was
> right on the edge of being frozen up.  Took a bit of effort to get it freed
> up.  I saw serious case on a C380 where the owner snugged up all the studs
> so that they didn't pivot at all and under load, some of the Garhauer blocks
> bent because they couldn't swivel to align with the rope under tension.  On
> top of that, most of the studs had corroded solid to the mast step.  The
> mast had to be pulled, the step removed and the studs had to be removed by a
> machine shop.  This was on a boat only 4 years old.  Don't let this happen
> to you! :)
>
> -Jeff Hare
>
> #809
>
>   
>
>