Mast step water leak problem - Keel step

[pigdogface]

I own a 2001 Beneteau 461 and I am looking for a mast base leak solution. Water enters the mast through halyard blocks and other penetrations aloft, and runs down inside the mast section resulting in water leaking at the mast step which is molded into the fiberglass grid structure/keel support arrangement. I need to move that water over to the bilge well, and am looking for recommendations. Presently, the elevation of the mast step base is at the same elevation as the underside of some cabin sole boards, resulting in a chronic wet environment and the resulting wood damage.

I am looking for recommendations on how others have accomplished moving this water. I am reluctant to drill relief drains into the molded fiberglass mast base due to the high compressive loads imposed on the area from the rig. Also, because of the elevation of the mast terminus, there are no obvious paths to route the leaking water into the bilge well.

Has anyone out there dealt with this problem in a 461 ?

Thanks for your help.

Pig Dog Face

 

[Rimica]

I have the same boat. I siliconed the mast entry point in the deck. I went heavy. Used a caulking gun. Stayed dry as a bone at the base ever since.

 

[sailortaylor]

I have the same problem on my 381. Water comes down the center of the mast to the bilge. How can I stop the water from entering the boat. Can I seal the mast some where? I have an internal furler on the main.

 

[pigdogface]

I have the same boat. I siliconed the mast entry point in the deck. I went heavy. Used a caulking gun. Stayed dry as a bone at the base ever since.

Rimica, Thanks for your reply. Your solution sounds great for water that is leaking around the mast deck penetration, allowing water to enter by leaking down the outside of the mast. In my case, the water is running down the inside of the mast, not leaking in from the deck penetration.

I am now thinking that I will drill a drain relief hole in the base of the mast step, which is how Beneteau originally intended to drain this water, although I don't think my boat got the hole drilled.

PigDogFace

 

[Rimica]

I am not sure why it does not leak for me and it does for you. My mast is off for winter. I will try to have a look inside this week end with a light. Maybe there is a stopping plate, internal gasket or plug that stop that drip from happening. I will let you know.

 

[pigdogface]

I am not sure why it does not leak for me and it does for you. My mast is off for winter. I will try to have a look inside this week end with a light. Maybe there is a stopping plate, internal gasket or plug that stop that drip from happening. I will let you know.

Rimica,
Thanks again for your help. Please take a look at the horizontal fiberglass base that the mast sets upon. I am guessing that there may be a hole drilled through that fiberglass base that allows any water that enters the inside of the mast from aloft to drain to the bilge. I did look at a Beneteau drawing that specified such a hole for the 461. Perhaps your yacht is configured the same way?? Anyhow, if there is such a drain hole, let me know where it is drilled on the base (forward/aft/port/stbd) and the approximate diameter.
PigDogFace

 

[Rimica]

Rimica,
Thanks again for your help. Please take a look at the horizontal fiberglass base that the mast sets upon. I am guessing that there may be a hole drilled through that fiberglass base that allows any water that enters the inside of the mast from aloft to drain to the bilge. I did look at a Beneteau drawing that specified such a hole for the 461. Perhaps your yacht is configured the same way?? Anyhow, if there is such a drain hole, let me know where it is drilled on the base (forward/aft/port/stbd) and the approximate diameter.
PigDogFace

Could not get to the mast but could get to the boat and I took a picture of shoe for the mast ( attachment ). I circled the only 2 holes there is.

Hope this help. If you still need a picture of the mast let me know. Right now it is just too damn cold -24 deg

 

[msade]

I have the oceanis 440 with keel stepped mast.
The mast is full with silicone at deck level , 1/8" higher there is a 1/2" hole in the mast.
I am not sure it was originally done by the factory but it seems a good solution.