Hi all,
So, I have a leak when it rains, as water leaks down the sides of the mast inside the cabin. The old mast boot seal looks worn and tired and is the likely culprit. I was thinking of using Spartite but based on how THIN the space is between the mast and collar at some areas I don't think I can fit the foam and model clay deep enough around the mast.....spartite could work but I'm wondering if there is a better, simpler way....Perhaps a foam sealant or other method someone can recommend ? see pictures of mast boot to see my concern...
Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Owen F.
S/V Kalimba
San Pedro Ca.
Hm. Well we have to de-mast yearly for haul-out, while your solution seems to be semi-permanent? To reduce the mast base leakage (there will always be leakage down the inside of the mast due to all the through-mast fittings), I bought the boot from Catalina Direct (mast must be removed to install it) with straps tightening the boot top and bottom, but first put a bead of 3M 4200 or similar around the mast where the boot will slide down to. Also filled the mast slot with the adhesive. Very effective.
Then we had condensation inside the boot during cold rain/weather when the interior was heated. I bought WATER SOLUABLE expanding foam (white in colour at Home Depot and very easy to remove/clean up after it dries) and filled the inside of the boot and trimmed off the excess with a knife once dry. No more condensation.
Kevin Lenard
"Firefly"
'91 C-36 Mk. "1.5" Tall Rig, Fin Keel, Hull #1120, Universal M-35 original (not "A" or "B")
CBYC, Scarborough, Lake Ontario, Canada
How about using some Flextape or similar product (stretch/self sealing)?
Paul & Wendy Keyser
"First Light"
Rye NH
2005 C36 MKII #2257
Wing, M35B
Kevin.... what do you mean "fill the mast slot with adhesive"? I can't picture what you are actually filling. Do you have a photo?
Chuck Parker
HelenRita 2072 Mk II
2002 Tall Rig - Winged Keel
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Chuck, to clarify, if you are never planning on taking your mast down (out) you could use Spartite to fill in the the inside of the mast collar between it and the mast and that stuff fills the sail track gap. As we have to remove the mast for wintering as well as travelling the Trent-Severn Canal System occasionally, this solution won't work for us.
The mast boot from Catalina Direct is a tight fit around the mast and the outside of the mast collar, but even if you apply a thin coat of 3M 4200 around the mast around the circumference where the top of the boot will finally slide down to and be tightened with a metal strap, there will still be a space inside of the sail track that the water will run down. I have filled that small gap with 3M 4200.
UNDER the mast boot is a cavity that runs all the way around the mast inside the collar below the boot. I found that there was condensation forming inside of that space on the underside of the boot and on the mast (cold exterior temperature transferring downward), so I fill that space with the water-based expanding foam, let it harden (never gets very hard) and trim off the underside smooth/flat with the ceiling. Comes apart easily into powder/chunks when pulling the mast out.
Kevin Lenard
"Firefly"
'91 C-36 Mk. "1.5" Tall Rig, Fin Keel, Hull #1120, Universal M-35 original (not "A" or "B")
CBYC, Scarborough, Lake Ontario, Canada
I've got a similar problem (everyone with a keel-step mast has a similar problem), and will be trying Spartite this summer. My mast is also rigged very close to the partners in the back as my rigger insists more rake gives a more balanced helm on the C36. He suggested that gaining 3/8" in the back for good Spartite sealing is available by temporariliy flexing the mast at the partners using a line lead forward to the mooring cleats. I think I'll see what I can do as far as flexing, and if I can gain the 3/8", I'll do it.
John Parsons
"Water Music" 1999 Catalina 36 Mk II - Hull 1771
Tall Rig, Fin Keel
Bay City, MI, USA
Sounds Like a plan John. Interesting theory regarding the flexing idea--could very well be true. Looks like Spartite is the solution for me afterall.
Thanks for the tip,
Owen.
San Pedro Ca.