I have read MANY threads re: mast leaks, there is no definitive answer to cure the problem. My boat has a mast boot, an inner rubber type boot and there appears to be silicone in the needed spots. When it rains, rain drips into the boat at the mast area. I am not willing to accept this as many have since I figue if rain is dripping near the mast where else will it seep to on it's way down. Have read about Spartite, etc, has anyone ever tried a toilet ring wax seal to fix a leak? I read about it but.......not sure it was something I should try b/c I was wondering if the summer heat would melt the heck out of it and make a REAL mess. I am soooo stumped re: the leak at the mast. Should the outer boot extend ALL THE WAY past the mast plate? HELP!
mast leak-keel stepped
- Thread starter vmaks
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I too have an O28. I had to take my mast down to have the boat transported and the original mast boot (which leaked then) was damaged. Rather than try and replace with a new rubber boot, I purchased a wrap (from Defender) that was self adhering and it hasn't leaked in 2 years. I also made a cover out of sunbrella to keep the wrap from deteriotiating from the sun. You also need to make sure that the track in the mast is sealed with silicone, otherwise water will drip down there. Try it!!
My last 3 boats were keel stepped. None of them leaked at the partner.
BTW, if water is getting by the boot, it can also penetrate the deck core at the partner and rot it. This is very common. It is always a good idea to pot this area with epoxy. Then if the mast does leak, it is merely an inconvenience instead of a potentially serious issue.
Don't give up. You will find it and stop it.
BTW, if water is getting by the boot, it can also penetrate the deck core at the partner and rot it. This is very common. It is always a good idea to pot this area with epoxy. Then if the mast does leak, it is merely an inconvenience instead of a potentially serious issue.
Don't give up. You will find it and stop it.
You might want to think about this.
On roofs they have this rubber underlayment.
I've use it at the edge of the roof to seal against ice daming.
It has adhiesve on the back side, you peel and stick it to the roof and I mean it sticks, if it's in place or not!! It seals when you run a nail or screw through it
Get some of that, cut it to wrap@ the mast either as a wrap or make a inner boot out of it, under the outer boot, then get a outer boot (canvas?) to keep the UV from ruining this materail.
The outer boot seals agiant the mast with?? a clamp, silcone that area on top of the clamp, but make it a slope so water can run off.
The base where the outer boot meets the deck, the boot should be on top of the rubber roofing, attach the outter boot to the deck, trim the excess rubber roof showing and silcoine the edge.
This rubber roofing stuff seems to work great on roofs, might be just what you need
Joe
On roofs they have this rubber underlayment.
I've use it at the edge of the roof to seal against ice daming.
It has adhiesve on the back side, you peel and stick it to the roof and I mean it sticks, if it's in place or not!! It seals when you run a nail or screw through it
Get some of that, cut it to wrap@ the mast either as a wrap or make a inner boot out of it, under the outer boot, then get a outer boot (canvas?) to keep the UV from ruining this materail.
The outer boot seals agiant the mast with?? a clamp, silcone that area on top of the clamp, but make it a slope so water can run off.
The base where the outer boot meets the deck, the boot should be on top of the rubber roofing, attach the outter boot to the deck, trim the excess rubber roof showing and silcoine the edge.
This rubber roofing stuff seems to work great on roofs, might be just what you need
Joe
There are many ways to seal the partners. I used a trick I read about: stuff the area with old line and top it with silicone.
What you really have to do is get your head around what is on YOUR boat and figure out what will work for you.
The basic concept is: stuff it and seal it. That's all Spartite or any other method does.
Take what you have apart and figure out your plan of attack.
Good luck.
What you really have to do is get your head around what is on YOUR boat and figure out what will work for you.
The basic concept is: stuff it and seal it. That's all Spartite or any other method does.
Take what you have apart and figure out your plan of attack.
Good luck.
Mast Boot
I have an SSI boot, and have no leaks. As well as use the hose clamps, I used a good caulk around the mast, under the boot, and also where the boot contacts the deck. But I don't think there is any way known to man, to stop the water that comes down inside the mast.
I have an SSI boot, and have no leaks. As well as use the hose clamps, I used a good caulk around the mast, under the boot, and also where the boot contacts the deck. But I don't think there is any way known to man, to stop the water that comes down inside the mast.
i replaced my mast boots this year--seems they were original 1979. do also check the fitting thru which mast passes for leakage and caulk. if that leaks then ye get deck rot.
if is just water coming down mast into boat in rain---replace mast boots. isnt difficult and does need to be done periodically.
when you replace the boots, you can also inspect the rest of the system and prevent further intrusion of water.
if you have fittings on the mast--steaming light, internal halyards and their lil holes--may never be able to end the trickle. good luck. hope ye find it and i hope it works. is a pita.
if is just water coming down mast into boat in rain---replace mast boots. isnt difficult and does need to be done periodically.
when you replace the boots, you can also inspect the rest of the system and prevent further intrusion of water.
if you have fittings on the mast--steaming light, internal halyards and their lil holes--may never be able to end the trickle. good luck. hope ye find it and i hope it works. is a pita.
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