Cruisers Forum
 


Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums. Advertise Here
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 07-07-2018, 17:40   #1
Registered User

Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 19
Question about mast boot replacement

I apologize about all the posts, but this is a new-to-us boat, and we're trying to figure things out. We need to replace the mast boot/seal, but the previous owners pulled the mast and put on a plate. The wood isn't in the best of shape, and I'm not sure what to do about this. Any ideas?

I don't want to have to pull the mast out to replace the boot, so can anyone recommend a split boot that works well?

Thank you.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	mast seal.jpg
Views:	461
Size:	24.3 KB
ID:	173224  
davbaker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-07-2018, 17:57   #2
Registered User
 
Stu Jackson's Avatar

Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Cowichan Bay, BC (Maple Bay Marina)
Posts: 9,704
Re: Question about mast boot replacement

AFAIK, they are ALL split. You have to waterproof the edges by overlapping the edges and the upper ring around the mast above the partners.
__________________
Stu Jackson
Catalina 34 #224 (1986) C34IA Secretary
Cowichan Bay, BC, SR/FK, M25, Rocna 10 (22#) (NZ model)
Stu Jackson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-07-2018, 18:06   #3
Registered User
 
transmitterdan's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2011
Boat: Valiant 42
Posts: 6,008
Re: Question about mast boot replacement

The boots you buy at the chandlery are not split. You have to split it and fit it to the mast. They supply some glue that you use to reseal the split.

You can also use a tire inner tube but the sun will eat it up pretty fast. So you have to put a cover of some sun resistant fabric like sunbrella over it.

If you stop at the local chandlery and tell them the circumference of the mast and the area you need to seal at the cabin top they can recommend the right size boot seal. They come with well written instructions.

Here is one example:

http://www.fawcettboat.com/pc_produc...SABEgJn3PD_BwE

You also need some sealant to close the gap caused by the sail track if any. You may also need a couple of large diameter hose clamps.
transmitterdan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-07-2018, 03:36   #4
Moderator
 
Jim Cate's Avatar

Join Date: May 2008
Location: cruising SW Pacific
Boat: Jon Sayer 1-off 46 ft fract rig sloop strip plank in W Red Cedar
Posts: 21,151
Re: Question about mast boot replacement

You can make your own out of wet suit material. Use the repair glue to edge glue after wrapping around the mast, hose clamps or seizings to secure at top and bottom. A simple sunbrella cover to keep the UV away is a good idea as well.

As others have noted, if there is an internal groove for bolt rope or slides, you must fill it with some sort of akenpucky, right up to where the boot is clamped on.

We made one like that on our previous boat that lasted over 15 years in the tropics, and didn't leak.

Jim
__________________
Jim and Ann s/v Insatiable II, lying Port Cygnet Tasmania once again.
Jim Cate is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-07-2018, 06:11   #5
Registered User

Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 19
Re: Question about mast boot replacement

Thanks all. You’ve provided a wealth of information.
davbaker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-07-2018, 09:47   #6
Registered User

Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Charleston, SC
Boat: Stevens 47
Posts: 199
Re: Question about mast boot replacement

I second Jim on the wet suit material. You can custom cut the material to make any shape and it glues together easily.

Looking at the picture, though, I I'm concerned about the wooden block that the plate is on, which doesn't look like it's sealed to the deck. No matter what kind of boot you make, the partners will leak of there is not a good seal there.

If you remove the remains of the old boot, you may be able to slide the wood up enough to put 4200 under it and then push it back down to seal between it and the deck. The other question is "what is serving as the wedges that position the mast in the partners?" That is, what keeps the mast from moving fore and aft and side to side where the mast goes thru the deck?

If it's that block, you're going to have to slack the rig to get it out, tune the rig and then slide it back down. You might want to get a rigger involved to make sure it all goes together right.

Scott
sainted is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-07-2018, 09:56   #7
Marine Service Provider

Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,538
Re: Question about mast boot replacement

There is a two-part goop system you can by at West Marine and others. It comes with a putty-like material to seal the lower part of the hole in the deck. You mix this up and pour it in from the top. This cures to a hard but shock absorbing rubber consistency in a few hours and is permanent for centuries. No partners, wooden plugs, gaskets, or any other stuff to hold the mast in place or water-proof the hole are necessary. It automatically adjusts for irregularities in the shape of the deck hole. Just make sure your mast is stepped perfectly vertical side to side and with the desired rake (if any) fore and aft. Tape and mask around the outer perimeter of the deck hole to catch any spills. Don't try to pour it on a windy day, it is very viscous when first mixed and droplets may blow beyond your tape and masking.
jmschmidt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-07-2018, 10:13   #8
Registered User

Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 25
Re: Question about mast boot replacement

I just use white shrink wrap tape either 2 or 4" width, doesn't leak and last all season.
bharney is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-07-2018, 10:25   #9
Registered User

Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Jersey, UK
Boat: Dufour Arpege 9.2m
Posts: 2
Re: Question about mast boot replacement

Hi,

I eventually,successfully, cured a persistent leak, where the keel mounted mast passed through the deck. The solution to the problem was to plug the space around the mast with the material used for sealing home toilet outlet pipes. It is almost like a malleable putty and can be bought cheaply on Amazon. Did a great job!
Ostar84 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-07-2018, 10:29   #10
Registered User

Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Norfolk, VA
Boat: 34ft O'Day 1982
Posts: 13
Re: Question about mast boot replacement

Just did this last month; when you take off the old wrap, you might find voids between the wood or other material spacers. Fill the void with WM 8200 or 3M 4200. I used 3 inch Flex tape which is butyl tape. Also, one can buy butyl tape for door and window edges at Lowe's or Home Depot; comes in a 3 inch roll. Start wrapping the mast about 6 inches above the plate and continue wrapping around and on the plate. Coat the wrapped tape with elastmoteric rubberized roof paint (white color) with minimum three coats. Use either West Marine 8200 or 3M 4200 around the seams at the bottom where plate rests on the cabin roof, and also where it appears to be hardware on the plate. Will want to lay down painter's tape to create a nice clean edges at the roof/plate line on the cabin roof. Pull the tape off sooner than later, preferably within a few minutes, otherwise one has to use a knife to cut the edge clean or the sealant will peel off. My mast boot has been dry since the repair. :>)
Hydro2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-07-2018, 12:09   #11
Registered User

Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: 5 Mile River
Boat: Bristol 41.1 Keep on Dancin'
Posts: 837
Re: Question about mast boot replacement

If you go to a roofing supply, you can beg or buy a piece of EDPM roof material. It is sheet rubber that is glued down and is meant for flat roofs. It certainly is UV protected. I think you can use contact cement on it, as the adhesive used on it is a contact cement made especially for it.
If you see a commercial roof being done, walk around the job site there will probably be cutoff's laying on the ground. Fasten top and bottom with large hose clamps, and glue the overlap.
keepondancin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-07-2018, 12:43   #12
Registered User
 
jewt's Avatar

Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: New Bern, NC
Boat: 1989 Morgan-44CP
Posts: 171
Re: Question about mast boot replacement

Quote:
Originally Posted by jmschmidt View Post
There is a two-part goop system you can by at West Marine and others. It comes with a putty-like material to seal the lower part of the hole in the deck. You mix this up and pour it in from the top. This cures to a hard but shock absorbing rubber consistency in a few hours and is permanent for centuries. No partners, wooden plugs, gaskets, or any other stuff to hold the mast in place or water-proof the hole are necessary. It automatically adjusts for irregularities in the shape of the deck hole. Just make sure your mast is stepped perfectly vertical side to side and with the desired rake (if any) fore and aft. Tape and mask around the outer perimeter of the deck hole to catch any spills. Don't try to pour it on a windy day, it is very viscous when first mixed and droplets may blow beyond your tape and masking.
Spartight, it a two part liquid mixture that harden to a solid to replace mast partners and provide a good seal but still needs a mast boot to keep most of the water out. A good product but a bit pricey.


jewt

S/V Bifrost
jewt is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
mast, men

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Corroded Mast Boot redhead78 Construction, Maintenance & Refit 5 28-11-2011 12:00
Installing Mast Boot with No Mast Collar ? MikeTurner Deck hardware: Rigging, Sails & Hoisting 1 12-10-2011 08:40
Fiberglass and Mast Boot Question outdoorsman37 Monohull Sailboats 16 06-10-2010 17:39
Volvo Saildrive Boot Replacement - DIY? markpj23 Propellers & Drive Systems 5 10-01-2009 06:47

Advertise Here


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 11:04.


Google+
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Social Knowledge Networks
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.

ShowCase vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.