Ever hear of this

[sailaway78]

While the mast was in the yard the other day, I got into a conversation with a rigger over there. The conversation got around to mast boots, and I made the remark that I wasn't overly impressed with any of them. He said that as far as being waterproof, the very best method was an ace bandage, wrapped tightly, then painted with liquid electrical tape. Sounds like it might work pretty good. You could then put a pretty boot, that didn't have to work very good over that. Anyone ever hear of this before.

 

[Ross]

I never heard of that but I have flashed triple wall

chimneys with fiberglass window curtains and roofing cement. This would be a lot neater. Marine caulk would also serve, just spread it with a putty knife.

 

[Terry in Naples]

self fusing silicone tape as mast boot

I used some self fusing silicone tape I bought on line from ebay. I have a sail tite boot on but the rubber was getting sunburned and chalky and peeling and cracking. I used the tape to wrap the entire boot up to the mast. the tape is easy to use as it is not sticky. It does stretch and fuse to itself so when you are done you have like a solid formed silicone wrapped boot.
I have used this on several projects on the boat. Most recent to secure aluminum poles and keep them from separating. I used it to seal off line ends after whipping them and wrapped up a few hose clams keeping them secure and not scratching .
I got 6 rolls for $18,. It is very good stuff. Terry

 

[RAD]

I'm with Terry

I'm on my 5th year with the self fusion tape and This year I added some to dress it up as it started to look ratty but no leaks!