mast step

on to some other elements of this boat.  The mast step looked to be a bit of a challenge.  Step one was to get the waterline level.

The designer stipulates that to set the craft level, put the bow 10" higher than the transom.  Easier said than done.  As soon as i lifted the boat up in the stern to form the correct distance, the port corner of the transom was 1" lower than the starboard.  Therefore, i used the line dead center between these two points on the transom.

After this was set, I cut a piece of plywood to be the triangular top per the plans.  9 1/8 X 8 xxx.  Low and behold this created a distance of over 24" between the deck level and the mast step.  This would make the mast tube a little short for trimming correctly, and put the rig 3" lower.  Not tolerable.  Additionally, there is to be a 3 degree tilt to the step to get the mast angle correct.  I spent hours working on this problem.  My daughter is a math wizard and confirmed that this equates to a little less than 1" in 20".

I then cut a larger triangle that would sit so the mast tube would be about 21" from the deck. Putting the rig up higher, and providing enough tube to work with.  Then, a trip to the hardware store to get things plumb and angled correctly.  I purchased a cheap bubble level, and a dial protractor.

It took 5 minutes to get the step marked for installation.  total cost $11.  Highly recommended.  

Then, I discovered I had an app on my phone that would do it as well!  Doh!

Will build the support structure for under the step this weekend.  

Due to the high degree of variability with the forward section of each hull during the butterfly, stitch and glue process, I think that each mast step needs to be individually scribed and installed.  

Will double check the deck to step dimensions again tomorrow.  Looks like a finished tube will be 24".  I would like to leave it about an inch or two proud of the deck, then cut the aft half off to provide a little purchase for stepping the mast.  (although, a nice little mahogany box would do the same to receive the base of the mast.  would look cool, and could be trimmed with stainless!  Now were cookin

Hope to flip it this weekend and shape and tape the seams prior to finishing the interior.  

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