H18 - Slack in the screw that holds the mast base bearing

Hi! any ideas on how to fix this? on my h18
The hole in the mast step has the thread completely worn of...
The hole is even bigger than the screw.
And the screew just wobbles about in there...without holding the teflon bearing in place...

Has anyone else experienced this?
The only thing I thought was take the mast step to a welder for him to fill the hole up and rethread it to the screew size

Any ideas welcome, Thanks

You could fill the hole w/ Marine-tex (clean it up real good w/acetone beforehand), then drill/tap a new hole.

Welding aluminum castings is very tricky.

If you are going to weld the Al/Zn casting you might as well buy a new one. These are not condusive to welding. If you want I can get into why. The marine-tex is a good idea. I would consider buying a new one or a used one from someone parting out thier boat. This is a pretty important piece of hardware.

_________________
Nick

Current Boat
In the market
Previous boats owned
'74 Pearson 30
'84 H16
'82 H18 Magnum
St. Louis, MO

Is it like the wite putty used to fill-repair hulls cracks?
I have found a web of marine tex but there is lots of products...what one are you talking about?
Thanks

Does anyone have a photo of the new 4 hole mast step?
How are the holes placed? On my actual crossbar the rivet holes are worn and the mast step and striker post end up getting loose and rising...
If the 4 holes are in diferent position to the 2 holes on the 2 hole mast step version It would help
Thanks

This is the stuff you want:


Comes in gray (almost black) and white.

Pictures and replacement guide:

http://www.thebeachcats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=Hobie-18-Mast-Step&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

Old style castings are not available.

The new casting requires the new post as well. This is available as a kit / assembly #60180011

The bearing screw threads directly into the top of the new style post which corrects issues of corrosion in the threads. The post passes through the casting, so there is no thread corrosion there. The casting has a much larger contact surface on the front crossbar and 4 rivet location marks. You can easily move the locations to avoid existing corroded holes from the old casting.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)