The canoe has been waiting in the rain for the past week while we worked on the skiff.
There was sun today so we installed the mast step and cross member.
The step is roughly a 5 x 7 inch by 2 inch piece of cherry.
We cut out a notch in its base so it sits over the end of the stem on the sole of the canoe.
Prior to installation, a 2.5 inch hole was cut halfway through the base then the hole was cleaned out with a chisel. We then poured in a puddle of epoxy to create a smooth level bottom to the base. The mast will rotate easily in it.
The surface of the canoe's sole was prepped and we epoxied the base in place
with a colodial silica epoxy.
Next we cut a piece of Santos Mahogany to fit under the gunnels.
To place it, we found the center plumb over the base, then cut a slightly large hole in the mahogany.
This piece was installed then the mast was set. To do this we blocked the canoe level side to side and fore and aft. The mast was set plumb and the snug fitting collar was screwed in.
When the mast isn't being used, the base and collar make two excellent drink holders!
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