Another Solution

Posted By: Bob V
Date: 9/5/06 10:24a.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: Setting the mast (Don Schroder)

If you order a replacement tabernacle pin, it comes with a sleeve and a hole through both the sleeve and pin for a cotter key to center the pin in the mast (link, then scroll down to Mast Hinge Pin Assembly). I faced a similar problem because the PO had replaced the mast pin with a stainless threaded bolt. Over time the bolt had begun to saw its way through the softer aluminum mast. My solution isn't pretty, but is holding quite well so far: I cut two pieces of aluminum sheet perhaps 2" x 2" and bent them to fit the inside of the mast. I then buttered them up with JB Weld metal epoxy and clamped them over the holes from the inside. Next day, I drilled new holes through the epoxy and aluminum backing sheet for the tabernacle pin. (Note: The attached image of the pre-epoxy hole is not for the faint of heart) Bob V