Looking for a good mast boot

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Ferrity

I like 4" wide self bonding silicone tape commonly known as Rescue Tape. It is inexpensive but a bit of a challenge to find in wider widths. My recent install was 4 years ago and has held up fine.
Dennis
s/v Ferrity

Indeed - wider is better; but quality is most imporatant.
I used Self Amalgamating Silicone [or Ethylene Propylene] Rubber Electrical Tape, probably 3M #70 [or #23, or linerless #130], with the outer layer wrapped from bottom upwards. I probably covered it with #88 Vinyl [PVC] tape. Don’t stretch the last couple of laps, to prevent unwrapping.
Lasted [at least] the 10 years, I sailed the boat.

[Sand crab]

Originally Posted by jen1722terry

I'll have to sneak around some parking lots to see if I can find tubed tires. Do they still make tubed tires? Am I dating myself here?

Yup, they still make them. Cars don't use them but heavy equipment, ATVs, motorcycles, etc do. Haven't you ever been tubing? There's even a store that only sells them.
https://justubes.com/?gclid=EAIaIQob...SAAEgIrKPD_BwE

[Boatwright]

Tommy Tape - self fusing silicone tape. Tricky to use, it takes four hands -- one person to remove the liner while the other stretches and winds the tape. Once it's on it stays and does not leak.

Available from Amazon as "mast boot tape".

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Boatwright

Tommy Tape - self fusing silicone tape. Tricky to use, it takes four hands -- one person to remove the liner while the other stretches and winds the tape. Once it's on it stays and does not leak.
Available from Amazon as "mast boot tape".

Not at all difficult, once you get the hang of it.

BUT: Also available as linerless - ie: 3M #130.
https://www.3mcanada.ca/3M/en_CA/p/dc/v000060422/

[slowpoker]

Yes. For a nice looking and very durable mast boot, use the gray color " shower pan " flexible material sold at H.D. and Lowe's .
They sell smaller, left over pieces from their big rolls that are sometimes discounted.
Make a pattern from an old towel or kitchen rag around the mast base and cut the shower pan material to fit.
Use some caulk sealant on the overlapping edges if you are wrapping a long narrow strip and if so, start wrapping from the bottom and wrap overlapping as you go up, or if in one fitted piece, caulk the top to the mast and use clamps around the top and bottom.
Looks great, waterproof and lasts for years in the sun.
I use the shower pan material for lining the bottom of the battery compartment and another removable, loose piece as a cover for the top of the batteries, and as a flap to cover the companionway and cockpit instruments from the sun and rain.
It's even a great material to make gaskets, prevent chafe from anchor chain, water catcher, etc.

[Boatwright]

The Tommy Tape is 4" wide, which allows one to easily bridge the area from a mast deck collar to the mast itself.

[Cowpoke]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

In the upcoming weeks, I will be pulling my mast to deal with a disintegrated mast step/heel in the bilge. Probably cutting off a few inches off the bottom of the mast and building up a platform to compensate.
My question is...what mast boot is the most reliable and robust to replace the old one?

Had the same problem and the solution for me was to make a form at the deck and use extra SparTite as the mast boot. No leaks and no UV damage in the 8 years since. Good luck.

[Bunarina]

Thanks all!!

This post help me very much.

[Celestialsailor]

There was lots of great information for me here. My takeaway is to adapt a home-grown method rather than store bought. Thanx guys.

[bharney]

I just wrap 4" white shrink-wrap tape around the mast and partners, quick and easy and lasts all season and doesn't leak.