We had the mast removed for the first time since owning the boat in 2024. When the mast was reinstalled, we later realized that a small metal piece was missing.
While sailing, we noticed the mast appeared to move slightly side to side. When we checked the mast step more closely, we confirmed that it was indeed moving. It turned out that the missing metal piece is what prevents the mast from shifting about an inch side to side.
Now that the piece has been installed, the mast seems secure.
Does this setup look normal for a Nonsuch 324? I couldn’t find anything in the manual describing this process, and the mast step arrangement appears different from what I’ve seen on other Nonsuch models.
Ward.Woodruff
(Ward Woodruff N33 #8 Margery Niantic Bay, CT)
2
The mast step you show is definitely different than the step arrangement of a Hinterhoeller aluminum mast mast step arrangement.
I do not see a deficiency in the suitability of the 324 arrangement shown. With the aluminum “notch arrangement” keyed to the “spline” and keyed on the rivets protruding from the mast, anti-rotation should be achieved. I don’t understand why I cannot see the “spline”, at a 90 degree angle leaving the mast step, in the top down photo of the mast step. The “spline” only shows in the side shot with the aluminum notch piece in place.
Rhyan, I have a 324 and the notch at the base of the mast fits the male protrusion on the mast step base. This keeps it in alignment and the turnbuckle keeps it secure. Looks to me that the plate you have is needed to have a snug proper fit as the female notch in the mast is oversize.
