Maintenance - Mast Base Bolts

Print Page | Close Window

Mast Base Bolts

Printed From: Laser 28 International Class Association
Category: Laser 28 General
Forum Name: Maintenance
Forum Description: All the things to care for your boat
URL: http://www.laser28.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=739
Printed Date: 06 February 2025 at 3:32pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Mast Base Bolts

Posted By: fatjohnz
Subject: Mast Base Bolts
Date Posted: 02 May 2016 at 10:00am

We raised the mast Sunday and this must be the first time that I was the one installing the 2 mast base bolts down thru the plate.
I noticed that there are shoulders on the bolts which fit into the mast base slots but don't fit into the holes in the cabin top plate. This prevents the bolt head from snugging down on the mast base plate. One washer is not enough to fill the gap so I need another washer or a bolt with no shoulder.
I'm just curious and wanted to check with the group if there are special bolts or regular bolts will be ok.
Thanks in advance, John

Replies:

Posted By: Bill Layton
Date Posted: 02 May 2016 at 10:25am

It's a special made custom bolt. Above the plate it's 1/2" thread and going thru the deck and inside it's 3/8" thread. They are supposed to stay in place and you only remove the 1/2" nuts outside. But because the bolt is stainless and the nuts are stainless if you tighten them too much they jam and then owners undo the inside 3/8" nut and remove the bolt instead.

Posted By: fatjohnz
Date Posted: 02 May 2016 at 11:14am

Ah; thanks Bill. Sounds like my options are (1)try to free the 1/2" nut and attempt to re-tighten (2) put another washer under the 1/2" nut (3) replace the bolts and nuts.