Mast step adjustment slots vs bolt holes

[Dave G]

Working on the typical corroded mast and step on our '76 P365 Ketch here.  I had to cut off 4", and that's after a prior owner already shortened the mast by 2".  Nothing too complicated here, thanks to the helpful experience on the site, but my mast step fabrication plans do leave me with a question.  Shouldn't the mast step have slots for the mounting, as originally designed?

I'm viewing this as a three year live-aboard can't-claim-to-be-sailor, so mast rigging is still an academic topic for me.  It just seems providing some movement for the next re-setting/stepping of the mast (zero? rake), and allowing for later rake adjustment, would be a good thing.

Comments?

Dave

[Dale Tanski]

Dave,
A slotted mast step would be useful for adjusting mast rake.  Many race boats have a track that holds a car that the spar rides upon. Often a hydraulic ram is utilized to move the mast fore and aft allowing mast rake adjustment on the fly.  Many classes do not allow such mobile adjustability and require the mast base car is locked in place while racing most often by filler blocks that are moved from fore to aft or vice versa as the cars position is adjusted.

Many boats utilize wedge blocks at the deck to rake the spar. In the case of the P365 the close fit of the deck flange will not allow that. 

Slotted holes do have one issue, they may allow unintended movement.  My step was so rotted that I did not see slots but it may be possible that they were there.  As long as you can assure that the step doesn't move I do not see a problem.

Dale Tanski