CT 54

[helmanta]

Hello everyone. I'm looking at a CT 54, and have a question about the mast. It is a keel stepped mast and there is a stainless rod/bolt just behind the mast that starts at the top of the deck and disappears into the compression block at the base of the mast. I believer there is salt water coming up around the bolt. Does this bolt go al the way through to the bottoms of the boat? If so, why?

Thanks
Troy

[rognvald]

Helmanta,
It's the mast tie rod and its function is to prevent the deck from moving when the boat is under sail. It should run from the deck to the base of the mast step. On a heavy boat like the CT, it should run to the keel connection. If water is coming from this bolt, it would have to mean that the bilge is full of water. By the way, a good friend of mine has a CT56 in Annapolis that he is going to sell for a fair price. If you are interested, PM me and I put you in touch with him. It is a far better boat than the 54 if you're a Perry fan. Good luck and safe sailing

[helmanta]

That's what I thought. Thank you very much