Common problem. Many posts here about the same leak. In every case, the leak occurs at the mast step from water entering the mast. Also, in every case, the solution requires stepping the mast to completely seal the step, ensuring a drip loop in all cables and sealing around where the cables enter the deck and the weep holes are free of obstruction.
I had a 1986 Hunter 31, It had the issue of water pooling at the bottom of the mast and going down the wooden compression post. Solved the problem by installing 1 1/2" copper pipe, about 4" long, with a u shape top which was cut on an angle to ensure no water would enter.This created a drip loop. It was sealed to the deck under the mast. This was for the wiring to go through. Also on that repair, the "well" under the mast was filled with m4200, so no water could pool under the mast.
On the 2001 Hunter 380, the base of the mast ends 4" above the mast step and a molded piece of aluminum is riveted to the base of the mast. That molded piece then fits into a slot on the mast step. With this design, no water from the mast should be able to enter the vessel. The wiring comes out of the mast 6" above the deck. In front of the mast is where the wires/cables enter the vessel. The screws for the cover of that hole for the cables were stripped. The repair was to grind out all of the soft wooden core under the gelcoat (a spot 6" x 10"), epoxied the ground out area in layers using cloth. Reinstalled/resealed the metal piece the cables enter and reinstalled the cover. This metal piece is 1 1/2" high. This creates a drip loop.
The mast step is bolted to the deck with 4 screws. Under the mast step is a stainless steel plate (about 8" x 10"). This plate has two screws securing it to the deck. The plate has raised angled edges with holes. The running rigging is attached to the plate using these holes. Even though the 6 screws have been sealed and the outer edges of the plate and the mast step have been sealed, water is some how entering the vessel. Guessing the water is entering the vessel through these bolts and weeping towards the hole for the compression post. Or the water is somehow weeping its way under the stainless steel plate and finding to the compression post.
Back to the question has anyone removed the compression post with this type of design? It seems that the stainless steel plate is welded to the top of the compression post. As I mentioned thought there was a thread concerning this matter. How can this thread be found? Saw it a few weeks back, now cannot locate it. Any suggestions would be helpful. There are pictures of the base of the mast and the mast step. Just do not know how to post them.
