O'Day 35 mast boot

[mister_j]

I'm planning to install a new mast boot on my recently-purchased O'day 35. Does anyone have experience and/or recommendations for a kit to use? Never done a boot before.

Also, if anyone knows the mast diameter of a 34 or 35, that'd be helpful to me when I go out shopping. My boat is stored far away until April.

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[RAD]

I have the 32 and I used a SSI universal mast boot with silicone sealant (next time I'll use Boat Life) and after a few years I developed a leak so seal it with silicone tape and every year I freshen up the tape.....seems to work well.....I'll probably need a chain saw to release it when I pull the mast

here's some links
http://sailing.about.com/od/boatmaintenancerepair/ss/MastBoot.htm

http://www.ssicustomplastics.com/mastboot.htm

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|118|107602|108024&id=775734

 

[mister_j]

Thanks, Rad. That sounds like what I want. The mast will be coming down every winter, so I may just try taping it and see what happens. I'm determined to have a completely dry cabin this year (in my dreams). And thanks for the links, too.

Jeff

 

[DannyS]

A friend of mine used this last year after fighting leaks for years. He said it worked great.
http://www.spartite.com/Default.aspx?SiteID=3

 

[RAD]

Jeff
If the mast is coming down every year then the tire inner tube might be the cheap and easy answer and have a canvas cover made to wrap the inner tube/silicone tape to make it look good

 

[DannyS]

Jeff, in your situation, I'd be looking for a more permanent way to address the mast boot/wedge issue of having the mast removed and re-stepped every year. The Spartite is a permanent installation that allows the mast to be removed and re-stepped without having to fiddle with the wedges or re-boot. It's a polymer that is cast in place to seal the boot area as well as maintaining the proper spacing of the mast through the deck. When you remove the mast, the polymer "plug" stays attached to the mast and goes back in with the mast when you re-step. It's a little pricey but it's a one time deal.

 

[Richard9563]

I'm late to this post but I read this years ago: Wrap the boot with a thick ace bandage and saturate it with a can of "whip it." I did this years ago and it is still holding. I could replace it annually for almost nothing.

FINN

 

[jibes138]

the supply places sell a universal mast boot you cut to fit and glue to the right size. It is installed with a couple hose clamps for removal when mast is removed. I installed one on my 35 and am happy with it.