DaySailer.org Forum

I'm posting this after reading the thread on the Daysailer II board about preventing lateral movement of the mast base. I had the same issues with my 60's vintage Daysailer I, so I took some pictures this evening of my repair and am posting while watching Game 4 of the cup finals.
My mast base casting was "held" in place on top of the keelson with two tired screws. Over time, galvanic corrosion had enlarged the holes in the keelson to the point where the downward force (created by the stays) was depressing the keelson where the mast step casting perched. I decided to "fix" the problem with a low tech approach. I cut a left over piece of two inch X 3/4 inch oak hardwood flooring into a 14 inch chunk. I then traced the outline of the mast step casting on this 14 inch piece and routed out that profile to a depth of about 3/8 inch. Liberal amounts of heavy duty construction adhesive affixed the oak strip to the keelson. I balanced my marine battery on the freshly glued strip for 24 hours and then mounted the mast step casting into the oak. I've been using this setup for two years now and there is no sign of weakness or looming failure......and the mast butt is secure like never before. Caution: This raised my mast a bit, so be sure you have some adjustment left in the stay turnbuckles.

Clever. What adhesive did you use? Also, you don't mention what you did to waterproof the oak. I would definitely be more comfortable with adding wood this low in the boat if it had been thoroughly epoxy coated on all sides.

Oh, and here's the link to the other thread.

I'll take clever....better than clueless for sure.
I chose Lepage PL9000...an adhesive that I have used for exterior landscaping projects with success. If it holds pressure treated lumber at or near soil level in my climate, it will outlast me (or the Daysailer)...which ever expires first.
Greenlake...your point about epoxy is well taken. Not coating was a personal choice based on my circumstances: the boat sits at the end of my dock, so any rain infiltration is removed smartly.....fresh water.....on the shore and well-covered during the winter. Anyone whose boat might experience extended periods of immersion should coat.