Leaking Mast

[Kelly]

After several days of rain I noticed my first leak in my 1979 Cat 30 (recently purchased). The cabin floor was wet and the bildge water level had risen considerably. I believe that the water came straight down my mast and leaked out under the wall where the table mounts. Does the mast come al the way through to the keel of the boat? Is this a common problem in long hard rains for Catalina's. Any way to stop this?Thanks

 

[jamie]

leaks

I think your boat will be deck stepped and a wood compression post will be between the deck and the floor. water in the bilge could come from any of anumber of places and end up there so taste it and see if it is fresh or salt.when this is determined you can look up from there or down.If it is fresh ,ports,deck hardware,chain lockers,rudder posts,lazeretts and yes masts are some places to look

 

[Ron]

Stanchion, windows etc...

A few other areas to check. I had some real water leaks. The worst came from the stanchions. The windows are notorious for leaks if not bedded correctly. Check the archives for the cures. Check anything bedded on deck before you do a drastic measure (step the mast and re-bed the mast step). Take the time to bed these correctly and don't use silicone, unless you like doing things like this. Use 4200. My First Mate told me, "I thought the water was supposed to be on the outside of the boat!"