Mast Step Leak

[Bill Jones]

Last month I took the plunge and had the mast removed to repair the mast step leak problem that many 40.5's seem to suffer. The boatyard was familiar with the problem and seemed to do the job correctly. They raised the PVC insert two inches above the deck, caulked everything in sight and reseated the foot of the mast.Guess what, a month later when I next returned to the boat, evidence of leakage in the same two spots as before, the light above the dining table and the reading light on the starboard side just forward of the nav station.The boatyard is willing to relook the situation, but I was wondering if there was any suggestions out there that I could pass on to them that might help?Thanks

 

[Jim Russell]

Did they caulk the top end of the pvc tube?

Raising the PVC tube is fine but if they didn't caulk the top end of it, you may still be getting water running down the wires into the tube, etc.Just a simple minded thought. Good luck.Jim

 

[Garrett Pensell]

maybe a hatch?

One of the more common leaks that I see is at the hatches. When the boat is built, filler is used to bridge the gap between the headliner and the deck at each opening. It can be anywhere from 1/4" to 3/4" gap that has been filled. We have seen a few that start to crack in the filler due to the normnal flex of deck/hull/headliner. It is usually hidden by the flange, so the best way to diagnose is with a garden hose. Repair requires removing the hatch, grinding out the crack, refilling, and rebedding the hatch. I am also wondering if you might have a leak under the seahood. It could be one of the screws that hold it down or maybe the solar panel wiring. Hope this helps.

 

[Vito Ciaravino]

Expanding sealant

I too had the same problem. I also added a pvc tube and I found a expanding sealant that did an exellent job of sealing around the wires. I have had no problem since.

 

[George Kornreich]

Snap button leak

Does your boat have a windshield with a snap-on vinyl cover? Mine does (430) and it was leaking around a poorly sealed snap button screw. Its amazing how much water can enter around a screw. Check this with a hose. Also, do you have access to the step from below? If so, check to see if the mast wire conduit is leaking, while filling the mast, through any opening you might have (shroud openings, etc) with water. By the way, when you check for leaks with a hose, leave it in one place for a while, as it often takes time for the water to find its way inside.