I too have the new retro deck ring fitted. When the mast is unloaded, it moves freely within the deck ring. However, when loaded up, up wind or down it then seems to bind and groan loudly as the mast rotates within the ring, as the previous post described.

It seems well made, and I believe it is fitted as instructed. One factor may be that my mast ring can rotate on the mast although it doesn't move up or down. 

I fitted the new deck ring at beginning of season, but it doesn't do any good

still wears the gelcoat inside the mast pot. But at least the screws haven't pulled out like the last one! 

AndyG, 

I was in touch with Jim (Junior) at RS Customer Support today. He confirmed the situation was the same as his update mid Nov and that progress remains on track;

 

Contact RS Customer Support for more detail and to reserve the deck collar. 

Thanks Jim.

cheers,

Ron

Hi, two related issues for advice please:

(1) How should I repair the two screw holes next to my mast step.  I received one of the initial design deck rings which screwed into the deck with two screws one each forward and aft of the mast step.  These pulled out in one session of sailing (stiff winds on Port Phillip Bay), and cracked the surrounding gelcoat.

  I plan to grind out the cracked gelcoat with a dremel tool, mask up the surrounding area, paint the repair area with runny epoxy to get into any remaining cracks, wipe back, fill the drill hole with a short length of hardwood dowell (pressed down below level of the gelcoat), then fill the top with a mixture of West System epoxy, West 403 (colloidal silica) and a bit of titanium white mix on top to match the gelcoat.  Once hardened, cut back flush to the desk with a hair sharp chisel.

  Open to suggestions if I'm doing anything wrong here. 

(2) How is the new mast step retrofit design going?  I've seen the latest design on Andrew's boat (AUS 1194), which does look the goods, but I am reluctant to  fit this until testing is completed, given previous experience of the initial deck ring retrofit.

Thanks in advance,

Cheers, Ron F 'Kelpie' AUS 1189 

Hi All

 

A small update on this.

Things are happening. I tested a MK5 prototype last week and we are zeroing in on a device that will work. Some Beta Testing will start in the next few weeks. Once this feedback has been returned we can crack on with a production solution.

 

FYI the part Jae ordered was the current spec deck ring not the retrofit item. He is returning it to us for a refund.

 

Best regards

 

Jnr 

 

 

Probably the best solution for white collar boats is to leave as it is. And once a year (just after or before new season) to renovate it with RS Gelcoat AeroWhite - its so easy. And the main - no need to drill any holes. Just sand with paper and clean with acetone the place where is the wear , prepare small cup of Gelcoat, take small piece of sponge or brush and touch-paint thick layer . Of course its better to cover deck with tape around the mast hole and avoid scribbling deck that way. When new Gelcoat is ready (hardened) sand it little bit to smooth to avoid scratching the mast collar, as new Gelcoat layer made with sponge or brush will be rough little bit. Its possible to put additional drop of Catalyst to get Gelcoat harder and more wear resistant. That's it - enough till next season ! Well-tried !

 

I hope the retrofit deck ring option will be a good long term solution for white collar boats, avoiding the need for periodic touching up after wear.  

 

Gareth - my understanding is that the insert thickness of the plastic is just 0.3mm, so not compromising one design.

 

I think Russell's interpretation of the screw dimensions is correct.

 

Questions and feedback to RS should be sent to [email protected] 

I would interpret 10 X 3/4 as 0.75 inches long, 10 gauge screws.

 

I'd check with RS before you buy screws/

 

Russell