Leaking Mast Deck Plate

[Member 66616]

I recently discovered leaking inside the cabin dripping from my mast on an O'Day 35.
The Boot is intact and caulked and clamped at the top. I quickly used silicone around the edges of the plate and filled in the spaces with a very good result as we were cruising for three weeks with lots of rain at night.

I want to permanently re-bed the plate. Has anyone had experience with this? There are apparently four screws into the cabintop and three bolts through into the cabin. I plan to take it up slightly, removing screws and bolts, but not moving the boot. Caulk gun with lifecailk in screw holes and rimming inside, and outside of plate.

Any ideas or suggestions?

 

[jibes138]

Mast boot and plate

I replaced my mast boot by buying one of these units that you get that you cut to length and glue then put a couple clamps around.
I've never pulled my deck plate but I agree it is a good idea. Do you unstep your mast in the wiinter? That would be the time to do this! Then you could epoxy the screw holes and make sure the core is ok.