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Nonsuch Photo Galleries | profile | all galleries >> 33 Gallery >> BIG EASY 33-SD 55 1990 >> replacement mast base tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

replacement mast base

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James wrote September 24, 2009 :

I recently purchased a 33. When the mast was pulled before shipping, I discovered that the alignment lug on the mast base had somehow been broken. This lug fits an alignment slot in the mast step and keeps the mast from turning. I was advised to get it fixed.

I took my damaged mast base to two marine welders and they said it could not be welded as the broken casting's quality was too poor.

I called Mike Quill. He said a new one may be able to be cast IF he could find the mold, but it would take time and cost around $400 plus shipping. Since I was paying for every day in the yard, I wanted a fix quickly.

SOLUTION : Buy 75 pound aluminum billet and have a new part machined. Took 3 days and cost $480.

aluminum billet = $180, machining = $260, anodizing = $40.

This new base is MUCH stronger as it uses a high strength, aluminum, machining billet and has a
thicker side wall than the original castings.

The mast base of my 33 (ex WHITE CAPS) was 19 years old when it broke. I am not sure if the base was a poor casting or if electrolysis had some impact.

Next time YOU are in the mast well you may want to check the condition the your base casting.

Old/new mast base photos at . . .
http://s820.photobucket.com/albums/zz124/Jamesmx5/Machining%20a%20new%20mast%20plug%20for%20an%20Nonsuch%2033/


I told the machinist Bruce he might get calls for more mast bases and he said he would be happy to do more.

The key will be exact specs or to send him the old base. We first tried to make the alignment lug that fits into the mast step slightly larger for a tighter fit, but it did not work so we had to go back to the exact size.

BTW, Bruce is a sailor.

Marine Machine Service
Unit A 2830 Lytton ST
San Diego CA

619.523.1380

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broken mast base
broken mast base
measuring old casting
measuring old casting
machining new base
machining new base
newly anodized base
newly anodized base