[Paddlewise] Deck reinforcing

Evan wrote:

" I bought a kayak (an
Eddyline Calypso) a few years ago that had a rod holder/sailing mount
already attached to the deck in front of the cockpit -- however with no
reinforcing other than a couple of fender washers under the deck.  Despite
the wimpy attachment, surprisingly it held up through a few years of
sailing until it finally broke away one fateful day, leaving a couple
fender washer-sized holes in the deck (but fortunately, fairly easy to
patch).  Since I'm thoroughly sold on sailing, I plan to reinstall the
mount.  My question is -- is there any general agreement on the best way?
The options I'm considering are:

(e) drill a sailing mast-sized hole in the deck, insert some type of sleeve
plus gasket through the hole, glue a shallow cup onto the bottom of the
boat, then slip the mast through the upper deck hole until the bottom of
the mast rests inside the cup.  When the sail is not in use, I could put a
stopper in the deck hole to keep water out.  The problem I have with this
option is I don't like the idea of having the mast between by legs while
paddling/sailing (it seems like it'd be in the way).

I'd appreciate any suggestions!

Evan"

Evan, your method e) sounds like what is called a mast step and I
understand it is the type of installation now used by Eddyline and others
for Balogh sails.  I think it should still have deck reinforcement glass or
kevlar added around the deck opening.  Then it would be by far the
strongest, most rigid of the methods you outlined.  But fore-to-aft
placement is a significant question, which will affect the sailing
performance you can get with the boat.  
	My intended deck reinforcement is actually for sailing purposes too.  I
plan to attach removable outriggers on the fishing rod holders.  I'm still
trying to understand where the best fore/aft positioning location would be,
for the mast itself, the outriggers, as well as leeboard.  Suggestions will
be appreciated, especially if they have a rationale which is comprehensible
to my sometimes befogged brain, even moreso if they've been proven out by
successful experience. :~)
	Onward thru the fog!
		John
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