Leak at the top of the mast

[ridetheocean]

Hello Folks,

I have a 1995 Hunter 336. I have seen an interesting problem arise this winter due to heavy rain and snow in Boston. I noticed that there is water in the compression post in the cabin.
When I did some investigative work, I found out that the wires for the electrical equipment on the top of the mast were running down the mast, inside a tube, and coming into the cabin through the compression post. I believe the water protection at the top of the mast has worn out and hence rain water is coming through the electric wire pipe into the compression post into the cabin.
The compression post has accumulated some water and it is effecting the teak floor. I wanted to drill a hole at the bottom of the compression post to drain out the water. I tried using a drill machine to drill the hole through. I tried for 30 mins and hardly made any progress. Any ideas on how I can drill a hole at the bottom of the compression post?
I do also need to go to the top of the most to seal the pipe that is carrying the wires down the mast.
Your help is greatly appreciated.

 

[shemandr]

What material are you drilling through? I think the compression post is stainless and I would think a carbide bit could go through it. "Stainless" can be very different alloys but still .... 30 minutes?

 

[Charlie13958]

You can't seal those wires without dropping the mast. There should be some drainage at the base of the mast on the cabin top, it may be plugged. Water enters the mast at halyard openings also. If you want more information, PM me.

 

[ridetheocean]

Shemandr,

I believe the compression post is SS or Al. I will try it with the carbide bit also will check with my Home Depot friends.

Charlie,
The tube that contains the wires from the top of the mast runs right into the compression post and into the cabin. any water in the tube does not have an opportunity to drain at the base of the mast. It just collects in the compression post. Water from the halyard opening does drain at the base of the mast. Why do you think I can't seal the tube with wires from the top of the mast? Would like to talk to you if you are available.

 

[digby sailor]

drain

dont know if this is your problem or not but my boat had a small drain hole in the aluminum step it was clogged with grime I didnt even know it was there until I pulled the mast and step.I dont think that its possible not to have some water infiltration in the mast.When I took my mast down I ran a plastic conduit about even with the top of the aluminum step through a channel I cut in the post to the bilgeThis was if any water did come in it would go where it belongs in the bilge not in the deck post or any other places it shouldnt be.

 

[Charlie13958]

On my 95 336, the mast wiring was loose at the base of the mast, then went through a tube into the cabin top. It sounds like an owner change or factory update from what I had. I found all this when I was installing radar on the mast.

 

[dubh]

On the deck you will find a drain hole at the bottom of the mast. Use your wet vac to suck out the water and the spider nests. Clean monthly or so. If you already drilled your post, do the same. If you haven't yet drilled it, look under your sole to see if it a draining into the bilge, and try not to drill at all.