We are replacing a leaking mast boot on our Ericson 38 (keel-stepped) and would like to know what others have used to shim the opening between the mast and the cabin-top. Currently there is a rubber(?) shim that is wrapped about 3/4 around the mast and part of it is open. Any experience with this would be appreciated. Jean
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T
Ted
Spartite
My 38 had a 1 piece shim of rubber very much like a product called Spar-tite. If your is not shimmed entirely I would consider getting the spartite kit and using it along with a new boot.
My 38 had a 1 piece shim of rubber very much like a product called Spar-tite. If your is not shimmed entirely I would consider getting the spartite kit and using it along with a new boot.
Same Problem
We have the same problem on our 87 E-34. Just worn out. But I too have wondered about the shims.
We have the same problem on our 87 E-34. Just worn out. But I too have wondered about the shims.
A
Albert
Teak wedges
I have small teak wedges that butt up against each other encircling the mast. They are tapered and will climb upwards so must be held down with a large "hose style" clamp that covers a piece of 1/4 inch line to provide a barrier. Each piece is approx. 1 inche in width and 1.5 inches long. A generous layer of sealant is placed on the top edge of the teak to provide a reasonable seal and to hold the teak pieces together. For a mast boot, the local dive shop provided a piec of neoprine shaped a little like a bannana which is glued at the edge and has a waterproof seal when put in place with a couple more clamps at the top and bottem of the boot. The top of the boot is clamped "upside down" and then folded downwards to hide the clamp and make a good seal against the mast. To make it all look a little prettier I'm thinking of having our sail cover material (Sunbrella)done up to hide the black neoprine. I'm looking for other suggestions as to how to cover up the neoprine boot.
I have small teak wedges that butt up against each other encircling the mast. They are tapered and will climb upwards so must be held down with a large "hose style" clamp that covers a piece of 1/4 inch line to provide a barrier. Each piece is approx. 1 inche in width and 1.5 inches long. A generous layer of sealant is placed on the top edge of the teak to provide a reasonable seal and to hold the teak pieces together. For a mast boot, the local dive shop provided a piec of neoprine shaped a little like a bannana which is glued at the edge and has a waterproof seal when put in place with a couple more clamps at the top and bottem of the boot. The top of the boot is clamped "upside down" and then folded downwards to hide the clamp and make a good seal against the mast. To make it all look a little prettier I'm thinking of having our sail cover material (Sunbrella)done up to hide the black neoprine. I'm looking for other suggestions as to how to cover up the neoprine boot.
C
Capt Ron;-)
Barrel Shaped Wedges
I hesitate to get into this, but for a permanent fix, here goes: if these wedges look anything like a wedge, then they have been replaced or not made right, I have run into this. A bit time consuming but they have to be carfully made with a wood plane, and form to the mast AND the coller if the partners are exact, no need for caulking. The leak-fix is much easier too.
I hesitate to get into this, but for a permanent fix, here goes: if these wedges look anything like a wedge, then they have been replaced or not made right, I have run into this. A bit time consuming but they have to be carfully made with a wood plane, and form to the mast AND the coller if the partners are exact, no need for caulking. The leak-fix is much easier too.
Mast Partner wedges---who needs them?
Use Spartite. Lubricate the mast partners with vasoline, seal off the bottom with clay, and raise the lip 1/2 inch at the top with tape and you can pour Spartite right in there. It stopped a horrible leak problem I had at the mast partners. I use shrink wrap tape to give it UV protection. It works great; I highly recommend it. For my Ericson 46 I only needed the small size. Spartite is epoxy with a little give to it, so I suspect they use ground rubber for a filler material. You could probably make your own using west system epoxy and a rubber tire filings for a filler. Buy the product and folowing their directions. You won't regret it. You have to be sure the mast will come out with Spar-tite. So the plug your pour must be tapered which means the mast partners must be lubricated so it would stick. Also, if done when the boat is hauled out, the boat should be as level as possible. Some of it did leak through down my mast. I cleaned up with lots of paper towels and Acetone. You can't tell any leaked at all. I do not work for Spartite--my opinion is impartial. I would use nothing else unless I planned to put prebend in my mast like on an Etchells.
Use Spartite. Lubricate the mast partners with vasoline, seal off the bottom with clay, and raise the lip 1/2 inch at the top with tape and you can pour Spartite right in there. It stopped a horrible leak problem I had at the mast partners. I use shrink wrap tape to give it UV protection. It works great; I highly recommend it. For my Ericson 46 I only needed the small size. Spartite is epoxy with a little give to it, so I suspect they use ground rubber for a filler material. You could probably make your own using west system epoxy and a rubber tire filings for a filler. Buy the product and folowing their directions. You won't regret it. You have to be sure the mast will come out with Spar-tite. So the plug your pour must be tapered which means the mast partners must be lubricated so it would stick. Also, if done when the boat is hauled out, the boat should be as level as possible. Some of it did leak through down my mast. I cleaned up with lots of paper towels and Acetone. You can't tell any leaked at all. I do not work for Spartite--my opinion is impartial. I would use nothing else unless I planned to put prebend in my mast like on an Etchells.
D
Dave Groening
Source for Kenyon spar parts
This may be too late to help you, but RigRite sells parts for Kenyon spars that were used on at least some of the E38s (mine is an '87 model). Parts available include a "Rubber Mast Wedge". Mine has this rubber collar which goes entirely around the mast therefore can only be replaced by pulling the mast (or cutting which perhaps someone did on yours). You will want to verify that this is the correct spar section before ordering any parts.
This may be too late to help you, but RigRite sells parts for Kenyon spars that were used on at least some of the E38s (mine is an '87 model). Parts available include a "Rubber Mast Wedge". Mine has this rubber collar which goes entirely around the mast therefore can only be replaced by pulling the mast (or cutting which perhaps someone did on yours). You will want to verify that this is the correct spar section before ordering any parts.
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