Water in a deck stepped Mast...

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by drh1965

Anyway, I'm planning a restep this winter anyway. I want to check the integrity of the deck under the mast.

Good idea! You'll want to check the core (if any) to see that water hasn't seeped in. A wet core will surely weaken the deck leading to other serious problems.

Deck steped masts are usually sitting in a tabernackle or deck plate at or above deck level.



I have a keel stepped mast but I feel that deck stepped are a stronger set up. When a boat heels over and pulls on the shrouds the hull slightly squeezes together causing the deck to rise.

With a deck stepped mast, the mast keeps it forced downward. With a keel stepped, the deck rises up around the mast. On keel stepped there is usually a toggle attached between the keel and deck that is suppose to keep the deck pulled down.
And keel stepped mast always allow water in, but right into the bilge.