Just noticed some water on the table after a rainstorm yesterday. I assume it came through around the post. I am not sure how the post/mast base assembly ties together. Do I need to remove the mast base to seal or can I seal around it externally? Has anyone had similar problems and repairs? SV "playtime"
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Same problem
I have the same situation on my H26 and have been unsuccessful sealing around the mast base. I did find that the compression post is an integral part of the base (there's a top plate that the mast attaches to which is easily removed to reveal 4 more screws which apparently secure the compression post top). I'm planning on putting a 4" inspection plate in my headliner to view from below and see if the leak is at the mast, electrical/antennae connections, or the sheaves that the halyards and keel line run through. Good luck
I have the same situation on my H26 and have been unsuccessful sealing around the mast base. I did find that the compression post is an integral part of the base (there's a top plate that the mast attaches to which is easily removed to reveal 4 more screws which apparently secure the compression post top). I'm planning on putting a 4" inspection plate in my headliner to view from below and see if the leak is at the mast, electrical/antennae connections, or the sheaves that the halyards and keel line run through. Good luck
Jim Covey don't you dare put a hole
I think I have a simple solution to your problem. 90% of the time, water will seep down between the stainless steel post and the opening in the fiberglass that the compression post is in. The area of concern is where the cascade or centerboard line enters the compression post. Suggest that you apply caulking to either side of the hole where the line goes into the pole and the fiberglass. You might be surprised. IF that does not do it, remove the top mast step by unscrewing it and see what is there. Keep me posted. Meow Meow from old farthead of Crazy Davy idiotic Condom
I think I have a simple solution to your problem. 90% of the time, water will seep down between the stainless steel post and the opening in the fiberglass that the compression post is in. The area of concern is where the cascade or centerboard line enters the compression post. Suggest that you apply caulking to either side of the hole where the line goes into the pole and the fiberglass. You might be surprised. IF that does not do it, remove the top mast step by unscrewing it and see what is there. Keep me posted. Meow Meow from old farthead of Crazy Davy idiotic Condom
Dave, can this be sealed from below?
Sealing from the bottom would be the easiest and would keep water out of the interior. I was concerned that I might trap water above the seal and between the shells possibly causing damage from water propogation. Is this possible? I will attempt to seal from above first. Thanks!
Sealing from the bottom would be the easiest and would keep water out of the interior. I was concerned that I might trap water above the seal and between the shells possibly causing damage from water propogation. Is this possible? I will attempt to seal from above first. Thanks!
On the H30
On the 81 H30, there is a metal (not sure if steel or s.s.) post between the keel and cabin sole, and a 4 x 4 wood post between the cabin floor and ceiling. These support the mast loads from compressing the cabin top and floor. I can get at the bottom post through the bilge, it is just forward of my floor board bilge access. You want to look for deflection of the floor around the base of the compression post, and on the cabin top around the base of the mast. If either looks like it is sinking in, that is one of the indicators of a problem. You can also use simple inspection of both posts checking for rot or corrosion. Since these support your rig, fix or have the problem fixed ASAP. Sorry, but I don't have any knowledge of how to go about doing the work yourself.
On the 81 H30, there is a metal (not sure if steel or s.s.) post between the keel and cabin sole, and a 4 x 4 wood post between the cabin floor and ceiling. These support the mast loads from compressing the cabin top and floor. I can get at the bottom post through the bilge, it is just forward of my floor board bilge access. You want to look for deflection of the floor around the base of the compression post, and on the cabin top around the base of the mast. If either looks like it is sinking in, that is one of the indicators of a problem. You can also use simple inspection of both posts checking for rot or corrosion. Since these support your rig, fix or have the problem fixed ASAP. Sorry, but I don't have any knowledge of how to go about doing the work yourself.
Are you sure it's the mast?
Doug, I used to find water in the cabin after heavy rains. It wasn't on the table, but I keep the table reversed for more cabin room, so I found it on the sole. It only happened after heavy rains. The problem is that the water can't clear the hatch cover fast enough, and it can overflow the channels designed to send it overboard. I found a solution in the archives - I had a Sunbrella cover made for the hatch. It has a strap to connect to the boom, so that water does not accumulate. Never had another drop in the boat. Ray
Doug, I used to find water in the cabin after heavy rains. It wasn't on the table, but I keep the table reversed for more cabin room, so I found it on the sole. It only happened after heavy rains. The problem is that the water can't clear the hatch cover fast enough, and it can overflow the channels designed to send it overboard. I found a solution in the archives - I had a Sunbrella cover made for the hatch. It has a strap to connect to the boom, so that water does not accumulate. Never had another drop in the boat. Ray
Here is the poop
As Ray suggested, a cover over the companionway is a good one. For those who have Ameriseam products, return the compaionway cover to the Chandlrey so they can pattern the attachements in the event that you want a cover like Ray Suggested. If the water is coming down the compression post, then it is the caulking between the compression post and the hole that it is inserted to onto of the deck. I would first apply caulk between the post and the fiberglass adjacent to both sides where the centerboard line goes into the compression post. If you still ahve water coming down after doing this, then take the mast step off the compression post by unscrewing it and take a look there. The plausible problem to Ray finding water on the floor is due to faulty caulking of a piece of teak that is the stopper for the slider hatch from coming out. You will need to remove and let that piece dry out. Then recaulk it from one end to the other and of course around the screw holes and put back on. Trust me on this one. If you are still getting water, then check the fittings on top of the deck around the mast to see if they are caulked properly. One culprit could be the light base. Ray, if you are reading this, please advise if there are any other Hunters in the Marina where you are at. I did enjoy going down the waterway to the bridge. Do you still have alot of Hydrila? Crazy Dave Condon
As Ray suggested, a cover over the companionway is a good one. For those who have Ameriseam products, return the compaionway cover to the Chandlrey so they can pattern the attachements in the event that you want a cover like Ray Suggested. If the water is coming down the compression post, then it is the caulking between the compression post and the hole that it is inserted to onto of the deck. I would first apply caulk between the post and the fiberglass adjacent to both sides where the centerboard line goes into the compression post. If you still ahve water coming down after doing this, then take the mast step off the compression post by unscrewing it and take a look there. The plausible problem to Ray finding water on the floor is due to faulty caulking of a piece of teak that is the stopper for the slider hatch from coming out. You will need to remove and let that piece dry out. Then recaulk it from one end to the other and of course around the screw holes and put back on. Trust me on this one. If you are still getting water, then check the fittings on top of the deck around the mast to see if they are caulked properly. One culprit could be the light base. Ray, if you are reading this, please advise if there are any other Hunters in the Marina where you are at. I did enjoy going down the waterway to the bridge. Do you still have alot of Hydrila? Crazy Dave Condon
Similar problems
I have a '97 H26 and had problems with water coming in through both the companion way and down the side of the compression post. Dave is on the money about resealing the teak strip on the forward end of the slider. I eventually discovered this solution myself. As for water coming down the post onto the table I have also had that problem. I purchased the boat used about 3 years ago, and when I took delivery there was a 9 inch by 18 inch slightly pie shaped piece of blue sunbrella with ties and bungees sewn into it that I found in one of the storage areas. After finding water on the table I discovered that it was the previous owners solution to the leaking comp. post. It ties loosely around the mast base (and does not impede the use of the boom vang or halyards) and sheilds water from getting near the area. Needless to say I have also resealed with marine sealant on the topsides and from below.
I have a '97 H26 and had problems with water coming in through both the companion way and down the side of the compression post. Dave is on the money about resealing the teak strip on the forward end of the slider. I eventually discovered this solution myself. As for water coming down the post onto the table I have also had that problem. I purchased the boat used about 3 years ago, and when I took delivery there was a 9 inch by 18 inch slightly pie shaped piece of blue sunbrella with ties and bungees sewn into it that I found in one of the storage areas. After finding water on the table I discovered that it was the previous owners solution to the leaking comp. post. It ties loosely around the mast base (and does not impede the use of the boom vang or halyards) and sheilds water from getting near the area. Needless to say I have also resealed with marine sealant on the topsides and from below.
Aquia Harbour Marina
Dave, I'm the only Hunter in the marina. We used to have 2 MacGregors, but I didn't see them last year. We have one, older, smaller sailboat. Most people stay downstream of the bridge. There is at least one Hunter at the Aquia Bay marina, just to port as you approach the bridge. Love the hydrilla - best channel markers in the world! By the way, tht total amount of water we used to get was on the range of 2 - 3 ounces, and then only after a heavy storm. Since we had the cover made, she is always dry, and the teak around the companionway (hatch cover and boards) are protected from the sun. Ray
Dave, I'm the only Hunter in the marina. We used to have 2 MacGregors, but I didn't see them last year. We have one, older, smaller sailboat. Most people stay downstream of the bridge. There is at least one Hunter at the Aquia Bay marina, just to port as you approach the bridge. Love the hydrilla - best channel markers in the world! By the way, tht total amount of water we used to get was on the range of 2 - 3 ounces, and then only after a heavy storm. Since we had the cover made, she is always dry, and the teak around the companionway (hatch cover and boards) are protected from the sun. Ray
Ray
Thanks for the response. IF you ever need any imput, feel free to call me. There is a 240 as you go out past the bridge on the right along with a h 26. Great folks to know if you ever run into them. Thanks for the heads up on the cover. I have heard they always worked. I cannot tell folks where I am oout of respect for the forum but if you need to get hold of me ever, leave me your email. Take care and have a great year of sailing. crazy dave condon
Thanks for the response. IF you ever need any imput, feel free to call me. There is a 240 as you go out past the bridge on the right along with a h 26. Great folks to know if you ever run into them. Thanks for the heads up on the cover. I have heard they always worked. I cannot tell folks where I am oout of respect for the forum but if you need to get hold of me ever, leave me your email. Take care and have a great year of sailing. crazy dave condon
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