Spinnaker pole track

[1st Sail]

recommendation needed for mounting new spinnaker track on the mast. 1/4 x 20 nc stainless counter sink flat head fits the track. Would you drill and tap the mast or use sheet metal screw thread? I'm inclined to drill and tap since I have the tools.

[dthiesmeyer]

That is what I did a couple years ago and have had no problems.

Dave

[grady]

Drill and tap. Then use Locktite on the screws. It keeps them in and reduces dissimilar metal corrosion.

[Highlander]

for things like that I use 1/4" x 3/4" alum flat bar cut to same length as track clamp together drill-out holes in flat bar marking each one end as top so as not to flip ends , now tap a thread in each hole unclamp then clamp t-track to mast with marked end "top" in up position drill out mast hole locations at desired height of track. now take alum flat bar using masking tape , to tape it to a broom pole with end marked top going inside the mast first from the bottom of the mast ! have someone move the broom pole into position to line-up bar holes with mast holes install t-track with one screw at each end leave loose now make sure all the other screws will thread into the holes , now take one screw back out at a time starting at the center & use blue thread loc-tite on each screw thread back-in then back-off 1/2 turn until all screws r loc-tite now tighten all screws starting at center working evenly to each end twist or pull out pole breaking masking tape u r all done & that sucker ain,t ever moving

takes a little more time & effort but u will never have to worry about it pulling out of the mast

J

[1st Sail]

Thanks again to everyone for all the experienced input. I'm drilling the mast foam to install my pvc pipe wire way first then on to installing the track.