Leaking at top of compression post

[Lee Henderson]

During a driving rain storm today I noticed water running down the side of the compression post. I know that there are plugs covering screws so I assume that one side of the post can be taken off. I want to see if I can get to the leak from the inside. Has any one had this side off or has worked on this area before. My guess is that water is running down thur ant cable and wiring. I hope I can fix this without unstepping the mast. Any feed back or help will be great.

 

[David Foster]

Unstep the mast

I know of no way to address this issue without taking the mast down, and getting into the aluminum "boot" on which it sits on the deck. While you may find some obvious leaks to reseal, I would also let the whole area dry out. Finally, I'd arrange (now, or at the next opportunity) for a competent surveyer to do a moisture survey of the step area to be sure that no water has saturated the plywood or balsa of the deck/step structure.If the surveyor does find moisture, I'd go after it now. (see the archives - my story is in there as well as others) This is a progressive issue, and just getting a good seal with the existing structure is unlikely to stop it.DavidLady Lillie

 

[IslandJack]

yep...thats a dis-mast job

The mast step is hollow so the mast wiring can pass through to the cabin and compression post. where the wires go through the roof (inside the step) sealant is the only water barrier. if water is getting inside, it has to be getting past that barrier. its just caulked around the wiring (at least mine was) without a bulkhead connector. I think that may be the stock installation since there isn't enough height in the step to accomodate a bulkhead connector. I'm seriously considering routing my wires out of the mast and bulkhead connecting it. you could probably get a year or two without dismasting if you caulk from the inside......but it would seem to risk roof and post rot if its a wet climate.

 

[Dave Slepoy]

MAST LEAKS

My friend Jerry found on his 29.5 that the tube that the mast wires go into on the step plate was not high enough and if the drain holes pluged, the water went into the wire tube then into the boat. 1-- extend the tube with a rubber hose and 2 hose clamps(Jerry used a stainless tube as a riser),,, 2- keep the drain holes cleaed out that are at the mast base on the step plate.