Sabre 28: Mast steps update

 A facebook page I follow is Classic Plastic: Vintage Fiberglass Boats.

A week ago I posted a photo of my steps and got a good bit of blowback on the weight.  At first posters though they were stainless steel.  Once I assured them they were aluminum,  I began to consider how to lighten them a bit.

I ended up drilling them and filing down the profile slightly.  I also bent the flanges to match the mast profile.  I am happy with the change.  One of the few times I have taken criticism well!  Here is a photo.

Sabre 28: Mast steps

 Mast steps may be a logical addition for a full time cruiser.  While we are weekenders only with our boat, when I have to go up the mast, I want the added safety and convenience of steps. We looked at the versions available commercially and rejected them.  So back to the shop to make our own.

We found several examples of the basic design we went with.  One thing I didn't like and we changed was the lower flange.  All the designs we saw had the lower flange turned down.  I thought it was ugly so we turned it up.  We ordered 3/8 x 1.25 aluminum rectangle bar from Onlinemetals.com   They are a little beefy but ok by me.  We are preparing to un-step the mast and re-rig.  When the mast is down, the steps will be one of several projects.  Here some photos.