Hi all. Just taken possession of a CS Merlin 36. Seeking information on the
keel stepped Isomat
mast. Given that the Merlin has a very shallow
Bilge, looking to keep as much
water as possible on the outside of the
boat. Previously, there had been a
plug in the
mast at
deck level,
water collecting there spilling out onto the
deck. Believe a company in America, Sail Rite, (?), used to stock
parts for the Isomat mast, including a two part
plug. Understandably, this part now seems to be out of stock. Have a few ideas about how to form a watertight plug myself, just wondering what other owners have come up with, or have they discarded the plug entirely. Also the mast sits on a heavily built box section above the
keel, at the bottom of which sits the forward keel bolt. As there is no outlet for any water coming down
inside the mast, this water builds up in there until eventually overflowing into the
Bilge. Thinking of capping this off to stop any water ingress into the box section, tapping into the mast base to form an outlet for any water collected there. Or drilling through the bottom edge of the box section to allow any water to escape into the Bilge. Any thoughts?? The
boat, at present, is
on the hard, mast out. Thanks all for having a think... Maco.