Mast advice needed

Archives
1

Posted by Max Lent (maxlent@…>)

Hi All,

There are a couple of problems with the mast of Top Cat that I need
your advice about.

All of the parts described below are shown in photos at
http://www.maxlent.com/topcatgallery.htm.

  1. There is a broken D shaped ring at the top of the mast that is
    broken and needs to be replaced. I would appreciate advice on how
    to replace the part.

  2. There is a broken bracket at the top of the mast that looks like
    it was used for an anchor light. Since there is no current anchor
    light on the boat I will want to install one. Any suggestions on
    how to attach it to the mast?

  3. The mast rail that holds the sail in place is separated from the
    mast for about a foot near the bottom of the mast. My question is
    how does one re-attach the rail to the mast?

Thank you,

Max
http://www.maxlent.com

2

Posted by j32080@…> (j32080@…>)

Max,

  1. The “D ring” is certainly not original equipment. I’d say remove
    it.

  2. The “bracket” is a the bracket that comes with the optional
    “Universal Masthead Mount” kit that is used for a Windex 15. I used
    one on “Blue Merle” - what a pain setting it up.
    Photo: http://www.freedom21.info/images/bluemerle/BMTopOfMast.jpg

I’d say remove it and use the new Windex
side mount (mounted on the side) that is now available.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/2443\
6/0/0/windex/All_2/mode+matchallpartial/0/0

As for a bracket, I believe I used an Aqua Signal (mast or deck)
bracket. SS and already bent 90 degrees. Take a look at West SKUs
176347 or 176354 (no pictures on web site nor catalog) - check in the
store.

I’d also fill all of the holes at the top of the mast when you’ve
removed all of this “dead” equipment.

New stuff, brackets, etc. should be through-bolted. It makes for a
cleaner installation. Just curl a large fender washer to the inside
shape of the mast to spread the stress. You have access to the back
side via the top of the mast.


Your poped rivits in the mast track are the biggest problem. Somehow
need to re-fill the holes and re-revit the track. I’m currently at a
loss for suggestions.

Regards,
-John



— Max Lent <maxlent@…> wrote:

Hi All,

There are a couple of problems with the mast of Top Cat that I need
your advice about.

All of the parts described below are shown in photos at
http://www.maxlent.com/topcatgallery.htm.

  1. There is a broken D shaped ring at the top of the mast that is
    broken and needs to be replaced. I would appreciate advice on how
    to replace the part.

  2. There is a broken bracket at the top of the mast that looks like
    it was used for an anchor light. Since there is no current anchor
    light on the boat I will want to install one. Any suggestions on
    how to attach it to the mast?

  3. The mast rail that holds the sail in place is separated from the
    mast for about a foot near the bottom of the mast. My question is
    how does one re-attach the rail to the mast?

Thank you,

Max
http://www.maxlent.com


\

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3

Posted by Paul Monette (pmonette@…>)



Max,

I am not sure about the broken parts at
the top of the mast. As far as the sail track along the mast, mine came loose
at the bottom. I just removed the rivets and put different ones in. This seems
to have solved the problem.

Paul Monette
Fancy Free #128





From: freedom21@yahoogroups.com [mailto:freedom21@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Max Lent
Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2006
3:17 PM
To: freedom21@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [freedom21] Mast advice
needed




Hi All,

There are a couple of problems with the mast of Top Cat that I need
your advice about.

All of the parts described below are shown in photos at
http://www.maxlent.com/topcatgallery.htm.

\

  1. There is a broken D shaped ring at the top of the mast that is
    broken and needs to be replaced. I would appreciate advice on how
    to replace the part.

  2. There is a broken bracket at the top of the mast that looks like
    it was used for an anchor light. Since there is no current anchor
    light on the boat I will want to install one. Any suggestions on
    how to attach it to the mast?

  3. The mast rail that holds the sail in place is separated from the
    mast for about a foot near the bottom of the mast. My question is
    how does one re-attach the rail to the mast?

Thank you,

Max
http://www.maxlent.com

\

4

Posted by rickpowers55 (rpowers55@…>)

Max, My Freedom had the same problem with the mast track. With
mine the rivet heads had corroded off and the base of the rivet was
still in the mast. I managed to push the rivets thru to the inside
of the mast and then pop riveted the track back on. Now I had to
modify the nose of my rivet tool to get it in the track…I just
filed two opposing sides to make it thin enuf to go inside the
track. I should have used monel rivets when I did it but figured
the aluminum ones that had been in there had been there for 20 plus
years that this job would last another 20 and if I last another 20
we can do it all again then :).

Rick Powers
#18 Freedom 21
Nana
Stillhouse Hollow Lake, Texas

— In freedom21@yahoogroups.com, <j32080@…> wrote:

Max,

  1. The “D ring” is certainly not original equipment. I’d say
    remove
    it.

  2. The “bracket” is a the bracket that comes with the optional
    “Universal Masthead Mount” kit that is used for a Windex 15. I
    used
    one on “Blue Merle” - what a pain setting it up.
    Photo: http://www.freedom21.info/images/bluemerle/BMTopOfMast.jpg

I’d say remove it and use the new Windex
side mount (mounted on the side) that is now available.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-
1/10001/24436/0/0/windex/All_2/mode+matchallpartial/0/0

As for a bracket, I believe I used an Aqua Signal (mast or deck)
bracket. SS and already bent 90 degrees. Take a look at West SKUs
176347 or 176354 (no pictures on web site nor catalog) - check in
the
store.

I’d also fill all of the holes at the top of the mast when you’ve
removed all of this “dead” equipment.

New stuff, brackets, etc. should be through-bolted. It makes for a
cleaner installation. Just curl a large fender washer to the
inside
shape of the mast to spread the stress. You have access to the
back
side via the top of the mast.

Your poped rivits in the mast track are the biggest problem.
Somehow
need to re-fill the holes and re-revit the track. I’m currently
at a
loss for suggestions.

Regards,
-John

— Max Lent <maxlent@…> wrote:

Hi All,

There are a couple of problems with the mast of Top Cat that I
need
your advice about.

All of the parts described below are shown in photos at
http://www.maxlent.com/topcatgallery.htm.

  1. There is a broken D shaped ring at the top of the mast that
    is
    broken and needs to be replaced. I would appreciate advice on
    how
    to replace the part.

  2. There is a broken bracket at the top of the mast that looks
    like
    it was used for an anchor light. Since there is no current
    anchor
    light on the boat I will want to install one. Any suggestions
    on
    how to attach it to the mast?

  3. The mast rail that holds the sail in place is separated from
    the
    mast for about a foot near the bottom of the mast. My question
    is
    how does one re-attach the rail to the mast?

Thank you,

Max
http://www.maxlent.com

Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

5

Posted by Max Lent (maxlent@…>)

John,

Thank you for the excellent advice. Let’s see if anyone else has a
suggestion for the mast rail rivets.

Max

6

Posted by Max Lent (maxlent@…>)

Paul,

How did you remove the rivets? How did you install the new ones? I
have never worked with rivets before?

Thanks,

Max

— In freedom21@yahoogroups.com, “Paul Monette” <pmonette@…>
wrote:

Max,

I am not sure about the broken parts at the top of the mast. As
far as the
sail track along the mast, mine came loose at the bottom. I just
removed the
rivets and put different ones in. This seems to have solved the
problem.

Paul Monette

Fancy Free #128

From: freedom21@yahoogroups.com [mailto:freedom21@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf
Of Max Lent
Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2006 3:17 PM
To: freedom21@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [freedom21] Mast advice needed

Hi All,

There are a couple of problems with the mast of Top Cat that I
need
your advice about.

All of the parts described below are shown in photos at
http://www.maxlent. http://www.maxlent.com/topcatgallery.htm.
com/topcatgallery.htm.

  1. There is a broken D shaped ring at the top of the mast that is
    broken and needs to be replaced. I would appreciate advice on how
    to replace the part.

  2. There is a broken bracket at the top of the mast that looks
    like
    it was used for an anchor light. Since there is no current anchor
    light on the boat I will want to install one. Any suggestions on
    how to attach it to the mast?

  3. The mast rail that holds the sail in place is separated from
    the
    mast for about a foot near the bottom of the mast. My question is
    how does one re-attach the rail to the mast?

Thank you,

Max
http://www.maxlent. http://www.maxlent.com com

7

Posted by Max Lent (maxlent@…>)

Super reply,

I’m pleased that it sounds so easy.

Thanks,

Max

— In freedom21@yahoogroups.com, “rickpowers55” <rpowers55@…>
wrote:

Max, My Freedom had the same problem with the mast track. With
mine the rivet heads had corroded off and the base of the rivet
was
still in the mast. I managed to push the rivets thru to the
inside
of the mast and then pop riveted the track back on. Now I had to
modify the nose of my rivet tool to get it in the track…I just
filed two opposing sides to make it thin enuf to go inside the
track. I should have used monel rivets when I did it but figured
the aluminum ones that had been in there had been there for 20
plus
years that this job would last another 20 and if I last another 20
we can do it all again then :).

Rick Powers
#18 Freedom 21
Nana
Stillhouse Hollow Lake, Texas

— In freedom21@yahoogroups.com, <j32080@> wrote:

Max,

  1. The “D ring” is certainly not original equipment. I’d say
    remove
    it.

  2. The “bracket” is a the bracket that comes with the optional
    “Universal Masthead Mount” kit that is used for a Windex 15. I
    used
    one on “Blue Merle” - what a pain setting it up.
    Photo: http://www.freedom21.info/images/bluemerle/BMTopOfMast.jpg

I’d say remove it and use the new Windex
side mount (mounted on the side) that is now available.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-

1/10001/24436/0/0/windex/All_2/mode+matchallpartial/0/0

As for a bracket, I believe I used an Aqua Signal (mast or deck)
bracket. SS and already bent 90 degrees. Take a look at West
SKUs
176347 or 176354 (no pictures on web site nor catalog) - check
in
the
store.

I’d also fill all of the holes at the top of the mast when you’ve
removed all of this “dead” equipment.

New stuff, brackets, etc. should be through-bolted. It makes
for a
cleaner installation. Just curl a large fender washer to the
inside
shape of the mast to spread the stress. You have access to the
back
side via the top of the mast.

Your poped rivits in the mast track are the biggest problem.
Somehow
need to re-fill the holes and re-revit the track. I’m currently
at a
loss for suggestions.

Regards,
-John

— Max Lent <maxlent@> wrote:

Hi All,

There are a couple of problems with the mast of Top Cat that I
need
your advice about.

All of the parts described below are shown in photos at
http://www.maxlent.com/topcatgallery.htm.

  1. There is a broken D shaped ring at the top of the mast that
    is
    broken and needs to be replaced. I would appreciate advice on
    how
    to replace the part.

  2. There is a broken bracket at the top of the mast that looks
    like
    it was used for an anchor light. Since there is no current
    anchor
    light on the boat I will want to install one. Any suggestions
    on
    how to attach it to the mast?

  3. The mast rail that holds the sail in place is separated
    from
    the
    mast for about a foot near the bottom of the mast. My
    question
    is
    how does one re-attach the rail to the mast?

Thank you,

Max
http://www.maxlent.com

Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

8

Posted by Paul Monette (pmonette@…>)



Max,

I pretty much used the method described by
Rick Powers. I carefully drilled out the old ones out and then riveted the new
ones. It has held so far.

Paul





From: freedom21@yahoogroups.com [mailto:freedom21@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Max Lent
Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2006
10:23 PM
To: freedom21@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [freedom21] Re: Mast
advice needed




Paul,

How did you remove the rivets? How did you install the new ones? I
have never worked with rivets before?

Thanks,

Max

— In freedom21@yahoogroups.com,
“Paul Monette” <pmonette@…>
wrote:

Max,

I am not sure about the broken parts at the top of the mast. As
far as the
sail track along the mast, mine came loose at the bottom. I just
removed the
rivets and put different ones in. This seems to have solved the
problem.

Paul Monette

Fancy Free #128

From: freedom21@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:freedom21@yahoogroups.com]

On Behalf

Of Max Lent
Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2006 3:17 PM
To: freedom21@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [freedom21] Mast advice needed

Hi All,

There are a couple of problems with the mast of Top Cat that I
need
your advice about.

All of the parts described below are shown in photos at
http://www.maxlent. http://www.maxlent.com/topcatgallery.htm.
com/topcatgallery.htm.

  1. There is a broken D shaped ring at the top of the mast that is
    broken and needs to be replaced. I would appreciate advice on how
    to replace the part.

  2. There is a broken bracket at the top of the mast that looks
    like
    it was used for an anchor light. Since there is no current anchor
    light on the boat I will want to install one. Any suggestions on
    how to attach it to the mast?

  3. The mast rail that holds the sail in place is separated from
    the
    mast for about a foot near the bottom of the mast. My question is
    how does one re-attach the rail to the mast?

Thank you,

Max
http://www.maxlent. http://www.maxlent.com com


\

9

Posted by j32080@…> (j32080@…>)

Max,

The rivets should not be your common “pop rivet” found at your hardware
store. They are made for metal to metal and will probably pull through
the carbon fiber mast. The original rivets are “Tri-Grip”, where the
backside will expand into three “legs”. Similar to the diagram/specs
found here:
http://www.hansonrivet.com/w36.htm
Note that they also offer a “large flange” (wider head) variation.

You can see what they look like if you sight down the mast from the
top.

Shop around for the proper ones.

-John





— Max Lent <maxlent@…> wrote:

Super reply,

I’m pleased that it sounds so easy.

Thanks,

Max

— In freedom21@yahoogroups.com, “rickpowers55” <rpowers55@…>
wrote:

Max, My Freedom had the same problem with the mast track. With
mine the rivet heads had corroded off and the base of the rivet
was
still in the mast. I managed to push the rivets thru to the
inside
of the mast and then pop riveted the track back on. Now I had to
modify the nose of my rivet tool to get it in the track…I just
filed two opposing sides to make it thin enuf to go inside the
track. I should have used monel rivets when I did it but figured
the aluminum ones that had been in there had been there for 20
plus
years that this job would last another 20 and if I last another 20
we can do it all again then :).

Rick Powers
#18 Freedom 21
Nana
Stillhouse Hollow Lake, Texas

— In freedom21@yahoogroups.com, <j32080@> wrote:

Max,

  1. The “D ring” is certainly not original equipment. I’d say
    remove
    it.

  2. The “bracket” is a the bracket that comes with the optional
    “Universal Masthead Mount” kit that is used for a Windex 15. I
    used
    one on “Blue Merle” - what a pain setting it up.
    Photo: http://www.freedom21.info/images/bluemerle/BMTopOfMast.jpg

I’d say remove it and use the new Windex
side mount (mounted on the side) that is now available.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-

1/10001/24436/0/0/windex/All_2/mode+matchallpartial/0/0

As for a bracket, I believe I used an Aqua Signal (mast or deck)
bracket. SS and already bent 90 degrees. Take a look at West
SKUs
176347 or 176354 (no pictures on web site nor catalog) - check
in
the
store.

I’d also fill all of the holes at the top of the mast when you’ve
removed all of this “dead” equipment.

New stuff, brackets, etc. should be through-bolted. It makes
for a
cleaner installation. Just curl a large fender washer to the
inside
shape of the mast to spread the stress. You have access to the
back
side via the top of the mast.

Your poped rivits in the mast track are the biggest problem.
Somehow
need to re-fill the holes and re-revit the track. I’m currently
at a
loss for suggestions.

Regards,
-John

— Max Lent <maxlent@> wrote:

Hi All,

There are a couple of problems with the mast of Top Cat that I
need
your advice about.

All of the parts described below are shown in photos at
http://www.maxlent.com/topcatgallery.htm.

  1. There is a broken D shaped ring at the top of the mast that
    is
    broken and needs to be replaced. I would appreciate advice on
    how
    to replace the part.

  2. There is a broken bracket at the top of the mast that looks
    like
    it was used for an anchor light. Since there is no current
    anchor
    light on the boat I will want to install one. Any suggestions
    on
    how to attach it to the mast?

  3. The mast rail that holds the sail in place is separated
    from
    the
    mast for about a foot near the bottom of the mast. My
    question
    is
    how does one re-attach the rail to the mast?

Thank you,

Max
http://www.maxlent.com

Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com


\

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http://mail.yahoo.com

10

Posted by Bob Broder (RABroder@…>)

Max: Contrary to the above, and much simpler, I had the same problem
some 10 years ago… I found a long nose pop riveter at my local
hardware store, and used standard pop rivets of the right length–the
other thing I did was to carefully lift the track prior to rivetting,
and squeezed a bead of 3M5200, black under it to bed it down. Ten
years aint so bad!
Bob

\

Super reply,

I’m pleased that it sounds so easy.

Thanks,

Max

— In freedom21@yahoogroups.com, “rickpowers55” <rpowers55@>
wrote:

Max, My Freedom had the same problem with the mast track. With
mine the rivet heads had corroded off and the base of the rivet
was
still in the mast. I managed to push the rivets thru to the
inside
of the mast and then pop riveted the track back on. Now I had to
modify the nose of my rivet tool to get it in the track…I just
filed two opposing sides to make it thin enuf to go inside the
track. I should have used monel rivets when I did it but figured
the aluminum ones that had been in there had been there for 20
plus
years that this job would last another 20 and if I last another
20
we can do it all again then :).

Rick Powers
#18 Freedom 21
Nana
Stillhouse Hollow Lake, Texas

— In freedom21@yahoogroups.com, <j32080@> wrote:

Max,

  1. The “D ring” is certainly not original equipment. I’d say
    remove
    it.

  2. The “bracket” is a the bracket that comes with the optional
    “Universal Masthead Mount” kit that is used for a Windex 15. I
    used
    one on “Blue Merle” - what a pain setting it up.
    Photo:
    http://www.freedom21.info/images/bluemerle/BMTopOfMast.jpg

I’d say remove it and use the new Windex
side mount (mounted on the side) that is now available.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-

1/10001/24436/0/0/windex/All_2/mode+matchallpartial/0/0

As for a bracket, I believe I used an Aqua Signal (mast or deck)
bracket. SS and already bent 90 degrees. Take a look at West
SKUs
176347 or 176354 (no pictures on web site nor catalog) - check
in
the
store.

I’d also fill all of the holes at the top of the mast when
you’ve
removed all of this “dead” equipment.

New stuff, brackets, etc. should be through-bolted. It makes
for a
cleaner installation. Just curl a large fender washer to the
inside
shape of the mast to spread the stress. You have access to the
back
side via the top of the mast.

Your poped rivits in the mast track are the biggest problem.
Somehow
need to re-fill the holes and re-revit the track. I’m
currently
at a
loss for suggestions.

Regards,
-John

— Max Lent <maxlent@> wrote:

Hi All,

There are a couple of problems with the mast of Top Cat that
I
need
your advice about.

All of the parts described below are shown in photos at
http://www.maxlent.com/topcatgallery.htm.

  1. There is a broken D shaped ring at the top of the mast
    that
    is
    broken and needs to be replaced. I would appreciate advice
    on
    how
    to replace the part.

  2. There is a broken bracket at the top of the mast that
    looks
    like
    it was used for an anchor light. Since there is no current
    anchor
    light on the boat I will want to install one. Any
    suggestions
    on
    how to attach it to the mast?

  3. The mast rail that holds the sail in place is separated
    from
    the
    mast for about a foot near the bottom of the mast. My
    question
    is
    how does one re-attach the rail to the mast?

Thank you,

Max
http://www.maxlent.com

Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

11

Posted by Max Lent (maxlent@…>)

Does anyone remember the rivet size that they used or the brand of
needle nosed rivet tool they used?

Thanks,

Max

— In freedom21@yahoogroups.com, “Paul Monette” <pmonette@…>
wrote:

Max,

I pretty much used the method described by Rick Powers. I
carefully drilled
out the old ones out and then riveted the new ones. It has held so
far.

Paul

From: freedom21@yahoogroups.com [mailto:freedom21@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf
Of Max Lent
Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2006 10:23 PM
To: freedom21@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [freedom21] Re: Mast advice needed

Paul,

How did you remove the rivets? How did you install the new ones? I
have never worked with rivets before?

Thanks,

Max

— In freedom21@yahoogrou mailto:freedom21%40yahoogroups.com
ps.com,
“Paul Monette” <pmonette@>
wrote:

Max,

I am not sure about the broken parts at the top of the mast. As
far as the
sail track along the mast, mine came loose at the bottom. I just
removed the
rivets and put different ones in. This seems to have solved the
problem.

Paul Monette

Fancy Free #128

From: freedom21@yahoogrou mailto:freedom21%40yahoogroups.com
ps.com
[mailto:freedom21@yahoogrou mailto:freedom21%40yahoogroups.com
ps.com]
On Behalf
Of Max Lent
Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2006 3:17 PM
To: freedom21@yahoogrou mailto:freedom21%40yahoogroups.com
ps.com
Subject: [freedom21] Mast advice needed

Hi All,

There are a couple of problems with the mast of Top Cat that I
need
your advice about.

All of the parts described below are shown in photos at
http://www.maxlent. <http://www.maxlent.
http://www.maxlent.com/topcatgallery.htm. com/topcatgallery.htm.>
com/topcatgallery.htm.

  1. There is a broken D shaped ring at the top of the mast that
    is
    broken and needs to be replaced. I would appreciate advice on
    how
    to replace the part.

  2. There is a broken bracket at the top of the mast that looks
    like
    it was used for an anchor light. Since there is no current
    anchor
    light on the boat I will want to install one. Any suggestions on
    how to attach it to the mast?

  3. The mast rail that holds the sail in place is separated from
    the
    mast for about a foot near the bottom of the mast. My question
    is
    how does one re-attach the rail to the mast?

Thank you,

Max
http://www.maxlent. <http://www.maxlent.
http://www.maxlent.com com> com

12

Posted by Bob Broder (RABroder@…>)

Max: I used a fairly standard pop rivet tool… check it out at Home
Depot or other hardware stor. It has a longish “snout” and a
separate screw-in adaptor for narrow (1/16th in) rivets. I used
aluminum rivets, about 1/8th in diam x about 1/2 " long. Longer is
better as the mast should be about 1/4" to 3/8" thick, and pulling
the stem will snug the barrel of the rivet snugly without damaging
the mast wall

Bob

— In freedom21@yahoogroups.com, “Max Lent” <maxlent@…> wrote:

Does anyone remember the rivet size that they used or the brand of
needle nosed rivet tool they used?

Thanks,

Max

— In freedom21@yahoogroups.com, “Paul Monette” <pmonette@>
wrote:

Max,

I pretty much used the method described by Rick Powers. I
carefully drilled
out the old ones out and then riveted the new ones. It has held
so
far.

Paul

From: freedom21@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:freedom21@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf
Of Max Lent
Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2006 10:23 PM
To: freedom21@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [freedom21] Re: Mast advice needed

Paul,

How did you remove the rivets? How did you install the new ones?
I
have never worked with rivets before?

Thanks,

Max

— In freedom21@yahoogrou mailto:freedom21%40yahoogroups.com
ps.com,
“Paul Monette” <pmonette@>
wrote:

Max,

I am not sure about the broken parts at the top of the mast. As
far as the
sail track along the mast, mine came loose at the bottom. I
just
removed the
rivets and put different ones in. This seems to have solved the
problem.

Paul Monette

Fancy Free #128

From: freedom21@yahoogrou mailto:freedom21%40yahoogroups.com
ps.com
[mailto:freedom21@yahoogrou mailto:freedom21%40yahoogroups.com
ps.com]
On Behalf
Of Max Lent
Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2006 3:17 PM
To: freedom21@yahoogrou mailto:freedom21%40yahoogroups.com
ps.com
Subject: [freedom21] Mast advice needed

Hi All,

There are a couple of problems with the mast of Top Cat that I
need
your advice about.

All of the parts described below are shown in photos at
http://www.maxlent. <http://www.maxlent.
http://www.maxlent.com/topcatgallery.htm.
com/topcatgallery.htm.>
com/topcatgallery.htm.

  1. There is a broken D shaped ring at the top of the mast that
    is
    broken and needs to be replaced. I would appreciate advice on
    how
    to replace the part.

  2. There is a broken bracket at the top of the mast that looks
    like
    it was used for an anchor light. Since there is no current
    anchor
    light on the boat I will want to install one. Any suggestions
    on
    how to attach it to the mast?

  3. The mast rail that holds the sail in place is separated from
    the
    mast for about a foot near the bottom of the mast. My question
    is
    how does one re-attach the rail to the mast?

Thank you,

Max
http://www.maxlent. <http://www.maxlent.
http://www.maxlent.com com> com

13

Posted by Max Lent (maxlent@…>)

Bob,

Thanks for the advice. As soon as I finish this reply, I will be off
to the hardware store to buy a riveting tool and some rivets.

Without the help I have received from you and others in this group, I
would never have been able to restore “Top Cat.”

Thank you,

Max

14

Posted by Max Lent (maxlent@…>)

John,

What did you use to fill in the holes on your mast?

Thanks,

Max

— In freedom21@yahoogroups.com, <j32080@…> wrote:

Max,

  1. The “D ring” is certainly not original equipment. I’d say
    remove
    it.

  2. The “bracket” is a the bracket that comes with the optional
    “Universal Masthead Mount” kit that is used for a Windex 15. I
    used
    one on “Blue Merle” - what a pain setting it up.
    Photo: http://www.freedom21.info/images/bluemerle/BMTopOfMast.jpg

I’d say remove it and use the new Windex
side mount (mounted on the side) that is now available.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-
1/10001/24436/0/0/windex/All_2/mode+matchallpartial/0/0

As for a bracket, I believe I used an Aqua Signal (mast or deck)
bracket. SS and already bent 90 degrees. Take a look at West SKUs
176347 or 176354 (no pictures on web site nor catalog) - check in
the
store.

I’d also fill all of the holes at the top of the mast when you’ve
removed all of this “dead” equipment.

New stuff, brackets, etc. should be through-bolted. It makes for a
cleaner installation. Just curl a large fender washer to the
inside
shape of the mast to spread the stress. You have access to the
back
side via the top of the mast.

Your poped rivits in the mast track are the biggest problem.
Somehow
need to re-fill the holes and re-revit the track. I’m currently
at a
loss for suggestions.

Regards,
-John

— Max Lent <maxlent@…> wrote:

Hi All,

There are a couple of problems with the mast of Top Cat that I
need
your advice about.

All of the parts described below are shown in photos at
http://www.maxlent.com/topcatgallery.htm.

  1. There is a broken D shaped ring at the top of the mast that
    is
    broken and needs to be replaced. I would appreciate advice on
    how
    to replace the part.

  2. There is a broken bracket at the top of the mast that looks
    like
    it was used for an anchor light. Since there is no current
    anchor
    light on the boat I will want to install one. Any suggestions
    on
    how to attach it to the mast?

  3. The mast rail that holds the sail in place is separated from
    the
    mast for about a foot near the bottom of the mast. My question
    is
    how does one re-attach the rail to the mast?

Thank you,

Max
http://www.maxlent.com

Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
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15

Posted by j32080@…> (j32080@…>)
Max, I didn’t have any holes in my mast to fill. I just made more ;-). My suggestion would be West System (http://www.westsystem.com/) epoxy with a filler (http://www.westsystem.com/webpages/productinfo/guide/Filler_select.htm). Either high-density/adhesive filler (if you intend to re-use the hole) or low-density/fairing if it is purely cosmetic. Get yourself a supply of this stuff. Available at West Marine. Their instructions, etc. are great. You’ll probably use it pretty often for various re-building/repair activities on your boat. E.g., deck/core repairs. Even on my new boat I put it to use. Like fixing the “ding” in the lead keel. :frowning: -John Max Lent <maxlent@…> wrote: John,What did you use to fill in the holes on your mast?Thanks,Max— In freedom21@yahoogroups.com, <j32080@…> wrote:>> Max,> > 1. The “D ring” is certainly not original equipment. I’d say remove> it.> > 2. The “bracket” is a the bracket that comes with the optional>
“Universal Masthead Mount” kit that is used for a Windex 15. I used> one on “Blue Merle” - what a pain setting it up.> Photo: http://www.freedom21.info/images/bluemerle/BMTopOfMast.jpg> > I’d say remove it and use the new Windex > side mount (mounted on the side) that is now available.> http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/24436/0/0/windex/All_2/mode+matchallpartial/0/0> > As for a bracket, I believe I used an Aqua Signal (mast or deck)> bracket. SS and already bent 90 degrees. Take a look at West SKUs> 176347 or 176354 (no pictures on web site nor catalog) - check in the> store.> > I’d also fill all of the holes at
the top of the mast when you’ve> removed all of this “dead” equipment.> > New stuff, brackets, etc. should be through-bolted. It makes for a> cleaner installation. Just curl a large fender washer to the inside> shape of the mast to spread the stress. You have access to the back> side via the top of the mast.> > > Your poped rivits in the mast track are the biggest problem. Somehow> need to re-fill the holes and re-revit the track. I’m currently at a> loss for suggestions.> > Regards,> -John> > > > — Max Lent <maxlent@…> wrote:> > > Hi All,> > > > There are a couple of problems with the mast of Top Cat that I need > > your advice about. > > > > All of the parts described below are shown in photos at > > http://www.maxlent.com/topcatgallery.htm. > > > > 1. There is a broken D shaped ring at the top of the mast that is > > broken and needs to be replaced. I would appreciate advice on how > > to replace the part.> > > > 2. There is a broken bracket at the top of the mast that looks like > > it was used for an anchor light. Since there is no current anchor > > light on the boat I will want to install one. Any suggestions on > > how to attach it to the mast?> > > > 3. The mast rail that holds the sail in place is separated from the > > mast for about a foot near the bottom of the mast. My question is > > how does one re-attach the rail to the mast? > > > > Thank you,> > > > Max> > http://www.maxlent.com> > > > > > > > > > > > > __________________________________________________> Do You Yahoo!?> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around > http://mail.yahoo.com>
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