My mast had problem rotating consistently. It would stick in one position which makes the wind flow inefficient across the sail. While in Seattle a couple weeks ago, I picked up a mast bearing kit.
The Mast base is removed by removing the bolt which goes all the way through. The bolt head and nut are 9/16". There is also a phillips set screw in a smaller tab near the sail channel. The second image shows the bolt removed but the set screw still installed.
After removing the base assembly, there is a single 3/4" nut.
The bolt is actually welded to the base so you only need one wrench.
Remove the three brass washers and replace with the bearing kit. Reassemble the mast base assembly. Note, I compared the heights and the bearing kit is a little taller, nearly the thickness of a single washer higher.
I found that the only way I could get the base assembly back on the mast was come in straight from the bottom. I had to persuade it a couple times with a rubber mallet as it's a very tight fit.
I removed several rollers from my old speed boat's trailer and fashioned a cross member out of 2" box aluminum.
* * * * * * *
I drilled the holes and cut some steel spacers to place inside the box tube so that it doesn't collapse as I tighten down the bolts.
I've installed one for a test and will add another when I get back from San Francisco.
No comments:
Post a Comment