Tapering the base of mast to fit mast step

[chris95040]

Hello,

I have an oval-section aluminum mizzen mast that needs to fit into an oval-shaped mast step on deck that is just a little bit too small for the mast.

While I assumed the answer would be a fancy shoe to make up the difference, a rigger has suggested an easier and stronger approach would be to just taper the bottom of the mast. Tapering is fine, my main mast is tapered to fit the step and I understand why this is OK to do but I've got a question about the _technique_ suggested for tapering.

The 5.25" by 3.5" oval section needs to be squished along the 5.25" dimension down to about 5".

The suggestion from the rigger is to drill two half-inch holes about 6" up from the bottom of the mast, one hole on the port side, one on the starboard. Next, cut from there down to the base of the mast to result in a 6" tall channel, about 0.5" wide, with a rounded top. With these channels on each side of the mast it is a simple matter to squeeze out the quarter of an inch that i need to fit into the base.

See attached for a diagram of the channel they are suggesting i cut.

Does this sound legitimate?

[SVHarmonie]

If it was ME...

I’d cut taper it as long as practical and cut V-shaped notches, and after squeezing to together I’d have the seam welded. Just the way the top of a tapered mast is made.

But that’s just me. Probably overkill, but nothing too strong ever broke.

But maybe I’d just go making the “shoe” to adapt the parts out of laminated G10. That would be very strong.