Larger O'days - Mast Collar Leak

[Clutch Cargo]

If there is any benefit to all of the rain we've been having here in Maine is that you certainly know where your boat is leaking. In my case, the mast collar has always leaked a little, but in the last week (since she has been in the water), it is more pronounced. I assume it is coming from under the mast collar. I think it must've been done at some point given the nylock nuts and evidence of sealant. Has anyone ever removed one of these?

Before you ask, the mast slots have been sealed.

 

[eherlihy]

Yes, I have

The partner plate was sealed to the deck with a sealant that resembled 4200. When I resealed it, I THORUOUGHLY cleaned the deck and the bottom of the partner plate, and put a nice thick bead of butyl tape between the deck and the plate.

 

[Clutch Cargo]

Thanks very much for the insight. I assume "partner plate" is the correct term for these things; and it does make sense. A bit of a wooden boat throwback.

 

[Clutch Cargo]

Update - as part of my winter work, I removed the partner plate and was astounded by the lack of sealant. I was also extremely glad that what sealant there was wasn't anything more than silicone (around the bolt holes) and something like Life Seal. Also, while cleaning the plate, I noticed the numbers "28/37" and a serial number that looks like "2831 71". I will ask Rudy what all that means the next time I speak with him.

Tomorrow, it will go back in with a layer of Rod Collins' BED-IT butyl tape.

 

[Richard19068]

I'd guess the numbers "28/37" indicate that the mast collar fits the Isomat NG-28 through NG-37 mast dimensions.

Rig-Rite's website indicates that the Isomat NG-31 mast was used on at least some O'Day 28s

Isomat NG31 Mast NG-31 Deck Collar - 5 Bail Type: NG28-10: Buy Cast Aluminum Deck Collar for use with NG-28, NG-31, & NG-37 Mast Sections. Deck Collar has provisions for 5 bails NG1-20,for attachment of a soft Boom Vang and up to 4 standard blocks. Cast Deck Collar is 9 7/8" (251mm) long x 8 1/2" (217mm) wide, and fastens to deck with (4) 1/4" (6mm) screws. Maximum inside dimensions 7 9/16" x 4 15/16".

 

[Clutch Cargo]

I'd guess the numbers "28/37" indicate that the mast collar fits the Isomat NG-28 through NG-37 mast dimensions. Rig-Rite's website indicates that the Isomat NG-31 mast was used on at least some O'Day 28s.

Thanks for the insight. I hadn't thought to check on the Rig-Rite site.

 

[Clutch Cargo]

Quick update - BED-IT butyl tape isn't the easiest thing to work with - perhaps it should be called brutal tape!! In any case, its done and even though the boat isn't in the water, we've had quite a bit of rain, and there is no leakage.

 

[eherlihy]

I find that the butyl sometimes sticks to the backing paper tenaciously. I believe that it behaves as a non-Newtonian fluid. If I keep trying different spots, I can always find an area where the two will separate. I then give it a quick yank, and it comes off the backing paper cleanly. If it looses it's ribbon shape in the process, I can then flatten it out by working it with my fingers.