Pearson Yachts Forum

Pearson Boats - Common Systems => Mast and Spar Issues => Topic started by: Rusty Pelican on May 21, 2015, 08:23:41 AM

Title: Mast Step
Post by: Rusty Pelican on May 21, 2015, 08:23:41 AM

I am in the process of removing my Rusty (Pelican) mast step, 36 years in service, it's time.
Thanks for all of the previous posts regarding mast step fab and removal, good stuff.
I am flummoxed as to how to remove the compression rod. The nut at the mast collar has been removed; spun the rod around such that the rod is very loose, but that is it.
Any advise would be very welcome.

Cheers

BobG

Title: Re: Mast Step
Post by: Dolce_Vita on May 21, 2015, 09:37:33 AM

IIRC, I had to remove the 4 lags holding down the mast step and slide it aft enough to flex the rod enough to get it out.

Title: Re: Mast Step
Post by: Rusty Pelican on May 21, 2015, 12:26:49 PM

Thanks Ed.
Three of the lags are cut; had the same idea in my head.
Hope it works

BobG

Title: Re: Mast Step
Post by: The Great Godsea on May 21, 2015, 01:51:32 PM

what is the compression rod? is that the thin rod that runs along the mast in the cabin? what is its purpose?
Thanks in advance.
Mark

Title: Re: Mast Step
Post by: Rusty Pelican on May 21, 2015, 02:46:05 PM

Yes that is the compression rod. The compression rod serves as to mitigate upward movement of the deck due to loads imposed by the mast at the mast partner.
The rod is adjustable, so do not over tighten.
Mast step is completely removed, all 4 lags had to cut
If anyone is interested I can post pictures

BobG

Title: Re: Mast Step
Post by: rbrtfeld on May 21, 2015, 10:19:17 PM

Pictures are always good.

Title: Re: Mast Step
Post by: Dolce_Vita on May 22, 2015, 08:22:13 PM

Quote from: Rusty Pelican on May 21, 2015, 02:46:05 PM

...Mast step is completely removed, all 4 lags had to cut ...

I had to drill the heads off of the lags.  Two of the stubs then came out using an external right-angle pipe wrench.  The other two wouldnt budge and I kept just tearing up their sides with the wrench teeth until the dia was too small to grip!  They're still there, next to the new SS lags I put in. (McMaster-Carr is your friend!)

Title: Re: Mast Step
Post by: Rusty Pelican on May 23, 2015, 07:46:18 AM

I had to cut all four lags off, the stubs would not back out, cut them flush with my trusty plunge cutter.
Burned out six blades in the process.
BTW: Ed, big thank you for the info on the guy that can fab a new step.

BobG