Mast Step

The structural fitting or support on which the heel of a mast is seated.

A mast step locates the base of the mast and transfers compression and other rig loads into the vessel’s structure. It may be on deck, on the coachroof or lower in the hull for a keel-stepped mast, and its form must match the mast and stepping arrangement.

Water ingress, corrosion, crushing, cracking or movement around the step can weaken both the fitting and its supporting structure. The area should be kept accessible for inspection where practicable, and drainage and sealing should be maintained.