David,
Seems to me that you already know what to do. Drill out and fill with epoxy 
 and then drill holes for screws. My guess is that after all these years 
the wood  in the cabin top just gave way. It happens.
 
Rummy
 
 
In a message dated 9/11/2011 5:45:13 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
chsyhkr at gmail.com writes:

While  setting our mast at a local lake the mast step popped off with the
screws  somewhat stripped.  We reset it and raised it carefully figuring  
that
the weight would help hold it.

While taking it down, it popped  again, necessitating the repair I expected
when it popped the first  time.

The boat is a 89, recycled in 08.

The step is secured with  three 1 inch screws.   I am thinking of drilling
out the holes,  repairing with epoxy,  drilling new pilot holes,  and
resetting.   I have heard suggestions from inserting lugs to  drilling all
the way through and using bolts and nuts.  The wall for  the head is a
support below the step, so drilling through is not  advisable.  Can longer
screws be used?

Advice is appreciated as  I need to make this repair in the next two weeks.

--  
Regards,

David B. Craft
Greensboro,  NC

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