CHECK YOUR J-BOAT MAST STEP FOR CRACKS, OR WORSE

[Guest]

CHECK YOUR J-BOAT MAST STEP FOR CRACKS, OR WORSE

We want to let others know about the serious problem we encountered with our J-Boat. Cracks appeared around the mast step of our J-105, and then the mast step actually caved in. Locally we have been told of two other J-Boats (which weren't 105s by the way) that have had a similar problem. If you own a J-Boat, you might want to check your mast step carefully - if you find any cracks in the floor area or can see any voids under the mast step you likely have a problem.

W'll provide a little more information here for those who are interested. One of the emails that went to Pearson (who builds for J-Boats) stated: "The floor beneath the step was collapsing (which caused the step to crack). We unstepped the mast and cut out a section of the floor. There is insufficient filler between the aluminum support beam and the floor. I have attached some photos for you to review. Approximately 6 inches aft of the step area, the filler was bonded to the floor. But beneath the step the filler was uneven with high and low points, none of which had bonded to the floor above. The voids beneath the aft portion of the step allowed the floor to collapse. Also the filler did not bond well to the aluminum support beam below."

[Guest]

Dear J/109 Owner,
I am passing this info along from Pearson Composites customer service - The J/109 mast step is located in the main cabin and sits atop a solid glass beam that's molded into the bottom of the boat, so it is not possible to have any kind of gap between a molded head floor and I-beam. Pearson Composites fully stands by its warranty, and would like to be informed by any owner who believes they have an issue.

[Posted by: Kendra Muenter]

[Guest]

Oops, that should say J/109 Owners

[Posted by: Kendra Muenter]