Mast Track and Rain?

redvette · **Joined:** 14 Dec 2006 22:13 **Posts:** 59

I have been looking at the posts on topics related to bilge water but wonder if anyone has noticed that rain water may be coming down the mast-track. During the winter here in MI, my boat goes on the cradle with a winter tarp. When I leave the mast up, I have to go to the boat about once a month and pump out the bilge replenishing the pink RV antifreeze that I put there to keep the bilge water from freezing. However -- when the mast is down and I put the winter cover on, I can completely cover the deck collar, and I get no water in the bilge. Any thoughts or experience?

BTW, I have checked during rain storms for water coming in around stanchions and other deck fittings and find no leaks.

Mark

Anastasis · **Posted:** 16 Dec 2007 15:49

I get a decent amount of water down the mast, but the majority is due to a poor mast boot. I haven't noticed significant ingress through the mast internally.

Tartan37403 · **Joined:** 24 Oct 2006 12:51 **Posts:** 48

I was able to stop virtually all leaks in the mast with a few steps. I used Spar-Tite, the pour in product, to replace the rubber wedges. Also, some years ago, I was able to locate a vinyl mast boot customed sized to the mast section and mast partners; I either found this at Tartan or maybe Joe Palmer who used to supply old Tartan parts-he is out of business. To protect the mast boot, I had a cover made out of Sunbrella. Finally, I recaulk the sail track every few years. Even with slots cut in the mast for internal halyards, I rarely ever see any water.

Tartan37403

Tartan37.com

Mast Track and Rain?

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