Wa'apa build - Part 24 (Mast step)

In between holiday obligations and the days too cold for working with epoxy, I've gotten the mast step constructed and in place. It's same basic design as to what Mr Dierking showed on his Va'a Motu build..

Support the hull so that the bulkhead is level..I use it as reference for measuring and level.

Measure out and mark position of mast step on gunwales. Mast step is further ahead than this picture indicates..

Then using level transfer marks down to bottom of hull.

Measuring device use to get width measurements for creating bulkhead templates.

Bulkhead template...

Mast step is made of a box, which goes between two semi bulkheads.

Glue two halves..

Epoxy coat inside and then glue box together..

I glued on a bit of hard wood to bottom of step for durability.

Step is sandwiched between bulkheads and sits on the bulkhead timbers, should be quite

strong and spread loads well.

Holes cut...

And gluing into place..

Then gluing in some timber next to step so that saddles, cleats, etc can be installed in this area. Also timbers on outside of bulkhead proving extra support for floor..

Box cut flush..

It's all quite solid and feels plenty strong, will be stronger yet once the floor is laid down...