Mast Step Base Plate Out of Alignment

[bigd14]

I just noticed that my mast base plate is slightly out of alignment by a few degrees (deck stepped). I assume this is factory because the original screw holes are the only ones present. Of course nothing on the boat is exactly lined up, based on some simple string measurements, but this seems like it needs to be fixed. However; I hate the thought of trying to fill the holes and re-drill them very slightly off center. Seems like the drill bit will simply slip back into the original holes and I will be right back where I started.

Any suggestions? Or should I just leave well enough alone?

Thanks,

Doug

[Skipper599]

If it ain't broke . . .

[Hirilondë]

Are the strings pulled taught and not touching anything including the mast step? If they are not perfectly situated at each end, and totally free of touching anything, then they might be inaccurate. Even then, depending on how you located the ends of the strings they may not be accurate any way. If the boat is slightly out of shape, and virtually all boats are, or you located the string ends relative to some pair of features of the boat which should be considered suspect as well, then it may in fact be fine. I would think you can not know with any more accuracy than you see with your strings on how to locate it. Therefore I would suggest you quit while you are ahead as previously suggested.