Mast step / stringer

[Noah]

I would suggest building your block sandwich while the epoxy is still wet or at least not cured. Then you should not have problems with blushing. If you decide to build it with coated pieces that are already cured, any waxy blush can be easily cleaned off or sanded off.  Also, using the right hardener makes a difference too.

[kh3412]

Breaking away: muti-tool
https://feintools-online.com/specials-new-products/free-blades-rebate.html?gclid=CjwKEAiA9s_BBRCL3ZKWsfblgS8SJACbST7DbNoDX8Q_aGwScIQt4wzr6a6AfoCZ6_REisgbw9XvxxoCQkvw_wcB

[KWKloeber]

an oscillating multi tool
http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result/index/?limit=60&q=multi+tool


I picked up the HF variable speed one for a REALLY good price on a super sale, and FWIW recommend a multispeed one -- it's much more versatile for odd jobs than a single speed and worth the price difference.

-kk

[KWKloeber]

HF variable speed multi tool -- 15 bucks, tomorrow only for iTC members!!

coupon att'd

[Breakin Away]

Thanks! I'll head there soon. I'm not an ITC member, so maybe I'll wait until Friday to see if there's a BF deal open to everyone.

[Breakin Away]

HF variable speed multi tool -- 15 bucks, tomorrow only for iTC members!!

coupon att'd

Actually, the coupon you linked is only for single speed version. Seen any special deals on the variable speed one?

[KWKloeber]

breakin


Yep. I grabbed the wrong one.  The variable was 25 boat bucks. 
The better HF variable speed model that I have is now on 3 day BF sale for $25, no coupon/not ITC
http://www.harborfreight.com/variable-speed-oscillating-multi-tool-62867.html

and here's 20% on that, so 20 boat bucks.
http://www.harborfreight.com/digitalsavings.html

That's crazy cheap for a great tool, $5 better than I paid.

ken

[Breakin Away]

Thanks, Ken! I was planning to head over there this weekend, and now I'll make sure to!

[DaveBMusik]

Just wondering if you came to any decision about what to use for the compression block?

[Gregory M]

Just wondering if you came to any decision about what to use for the compression block?

Dave
It is still quite unfavorable to work/check on things, but wood inside is not that soft as I originally thought (surface rot). When I dig deeper it's getting hard. So, I'm going to open as much and as deep as I can, fill void  with epoxy (thickened with glass strands/powder), and glass over with several layers. Spring will tell more...
My thoughts for now.

[DaveBMusik]

Please keep us updated! I may pull out the wood below the bilge in the fall and if I'm going that far....

[kh3412]

Had a break in the weather and removed the "mung" that Catalina had used to bed the wood to the bilge.
Still not sure what to fill space with and as the weather has turned cold again will be keeping all options open.

[DaveBMusik]

Had a break in the weather and removed the "mung" that Catalina had used to bed the wood to the bilge.
Still not sure what to fill space with and as the weather has turned cold again will be keeping all options open.

Nice job!
The early  boats had a piece of wood between the bilge floor and the outside hull. I'm curious if yours does and if you can see it where you cleaned out down to the hull? I'm trying figure out if the board ran all the way from the aft keel bolt to the forward one

I was giving some thought to this in case I do it and was thinking about cutting some pieces of 3/4 or 1" hardwood to slide in and stack. Epoxy them before placing them and then build temporary walls fore and aft and fill with epoxy.

[KWKloeber]

kh,

What size block (very approximately) do you need?

ken

[patrice]

Hi,

Just a suggestion, why not take some carboard and make a stencil for a piece in front and one in back of the top support that we see on the picture.
Bring to a local sheet metal shop and ask them if they could make you the 2 parts in aluminum plate.

Bring back to boat and dry fit.  You will be able to fit with a simple grinder.

Once happy with the parts, could epoxy in place.