Water percolating from the bottom of mast; vision 32

[jamarohn]

We own 1990 Hunter Vision 32 - It's a free standing mast that is stepped through towards the forward.

During a recent spring cleaning, we removed the boards in the v-berth exposing where the mast comes through, and at the bottom of the mast, where there's an aluminum sleeve bolted onto the gel coat. That's where we noticed water percolating upwards in that 1mm gap between the mast and the sleeve.

I tasted the water and it's fresh (our boat is berthed in salt water). So I'm guessing the water is coming from inside the mast?

I understand that masts aren't necessarily water tight. This being a ginormous aluminum pole, I'm guessing water condensation does happen inside. The question is what's the appropriate drainage for this water?

Any ideas?

 

[RonRelyea]

Jamarohn ... are you sure the water is coming from the mast? The hot water heater and fresh water tank are both in the same area.

That being said ... there may be a leak around the deck seal ..

I've got a '90 Vision 32 and have never had water around the mast keel mount (although I've had it less than a year - and it was on the hard over the winter)

I believe any water from that area will find its way to the bilge.

 

[Steve Dion]

I think it is normal to expect water coming in from the mast head on a keel stepped mast (we get some on our HV'36).

It would not be a bad idea to check out the fittings, hoses & tanks for the heater & storage tank too.

 

[Rick D]

Never had condensation as you describe, but did have a small quantity of water after rains. However, I did, as Steve mentions, have to replace both the water heater and water tank. In each case they caused that area to be very wet. BTW, I did also caulk around the mast where the ring gasket is.

 

[jamarohn]

Drainage and water source

Hey Ron - Thanks for the tips; I'll do some experiments to see if I can rule out a (God have mercy on us) leaky water tank. I'll also check (and poke around with a wire) to see if any of the bilge holes are clogged.

Jamarohn ... are you sure the water is coming from the mast? The hot water heater and fresh water tank are both in the same area.

That being said ... there may be a leak around the deck seal ..

I've got a '90 Vision 32 and have never had water around the mast keel mount (although I've had it less than a year - and it was on the hard over the winter)

I believe any water from that area will find its way to the bilge.

 

[RonRelyea]

PS ... careful "tasting the water" !! if you have the original aluminum holding tank, it is approaching end-of-life !!!!! and replacing IT is THE "God have mercy on us" task

 

[Rick D]

To add to what Ron said, if you do have to replace the tank, I would look for a Ronco that will fit in the space and have similar capacity. Or, have Triple M plastics weld up a custom plastic one. I had a new aluminum tank made up but it only lasted five years.

 

[dakno]

I am looking at a HV 32, 1989 model. I would like 2 hear from owners about things i should check or sailing traits, and how do u live with a 12 gal brown water tank?