Hello, I'm new to sailing, please forgive my ignorance. I'm going to be stepping my mast some time this spring. My question is, is there a gasket or sleeve that should be between the aluminum mast tabernacle and the aluminum mast foot, or is it typical to grease the tabernacle prior to stepping, (dielectric grease)? My concern is that I have some sort of layer between the two, in order to prevent wear and or corrosion. Thanx in advance Clay Oday 27
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Check with the launch service
They should be able to tell you as well as where to acquire such a device (provided you need one). They should be a good source for such info.
They should be able to tell you as well as where to acquire such a device (provided you need one). They should be a good source for such info.
Actually, Clay...
It's a pretty good question. I've not heard anyone ask it before, but I do know of a guy whose boat has a raised alloy pedestal with a stainless tabernacle bolted to that and it literally came apart in his hands when he was checking it over - Great Salt Lake environment, so that probably sped up the corrosion process. Some TefGel on the fasteners and tape for insulation might have saved him that unpleasantness. With aluminum to aluminum, above water, subject to frequent rinsing (rain), I suspect you don't need to be concerned. Just make sure there is a way for any water that finds its way inside the mast to drain out (weep hole).
It's a pretty good question. I've not heard anyone ask it before, but I do know of a guy whose boat has a raised alloy pedestal with a stainless tabernacle bolted to that and it literally came apart in his hands when he was checking it over - Great Salt Lake environment, so that probably sped up the corrosion process. Some TefGel on the fasteners and tape for insulation might have saved him that unpleasantness. With aluminum to aluminum, above water, subject to frequent rinsing (rain), I suspect you don't need to be concerned. Just make sure there is a way for any water that finds its way inside the mast to drain out (weep hole).
Clay, that is a very good question and
when you find the answer please let all of us know. It is wise to look for ways to slow down the wear and tear on equipment than to have to replace it prematurely.
when you find the answer please let all of us know. It is wise to look for ways to slow down the wear and tear on equipment than to have to replace it prematurely.
Thanx
Thank you for your input, I think I'll take the advice, provide a weephole (if one is'nt already provided) and apply a thin layer of grease to the inside of the mastfoot, while fashioning a gasket for the mastfoot to tabernacle contact point. Thanx again Clay
Thank you for your input, I think I'll take the advice, provide a weephole (if one is'nt already provided) and apply a thin layer of grease to the inside of the mastfoot, while fashioning a gasket for the mastfoot to tabernacle contact point. Thanx again Clay
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