plastic piece at base of deck stepped mast

[captran]

Can anyone clarify...I called Catalina and they said it was a "mast boot " when I described that I have a deck stepped mast and want the part number for the plastic piece that sits at the base of the mast on deck, and they gave me part number 30256.  I always thought a "mast boot" was the rubber piece that goes around the base of the mast on a keel stepped mast.  I hate to order a $36.30 part if it's not what I need.  I am assuming after transport that I need a new one.  Also, I asked about Varnish and was once again forwarded to Kent Nelson.  I am hoping this time he calls me back.  sure is a frustrating ordeal.  also, interesting to hear that the boat yard is charging me 854.83 to remove the rigging from the mast in prep for transport.  the mast was already removed from the boat!!!  alittle price gouging in Florida, seems like....

[Roc]

Capran,
I know what you mean about mast boot, but I've ordered things from Catalina in the past and if it's the wrong part, they do take it back for a full refund.

About the varnish, I've done some woodworking in the interior and found Minwax Helmsman Satin to be a very close match, literally identical when placed beside the original finish.  I did also buy a quart of waterbased varnish from Catalina.  I find it hard to work with because it flashes off so quickly, you can't get a nice smooth brush stroke.  My guess is that their varnish is more geared to being sprayed on.

[captran]

Well, I guess I'll order it today and hope it's what I need.  I did see some pics of Voyager inside.  The wood around the window by the shelf looks in bad shape.  And the water appears to have just barely touched the bottom of the ledge just below the electrical panel.   the big question is will it be salvageable/refinish-able or in need of replacement.  I hope to have possession a week from today.  As to the varnish, hmmm.  I might get one from Catalina to see how it works but with your advice I may be better off trying what you suggested.

[Stu Jackson]

I remembered that Jon Arck had posted something a while ago about interior varnish, and found it on the search under his name:

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,897.0.html

Hope this helps.

[captran]

I had seen the one but not the other.  I sure appreciate the input.  The pictures look pretty bad and I guess I just wont know until I get the boat and clean and dry it out and then try to sand alittle to see if the discoloring is at the surface or below it.  It's pretty discouraging what has happened to my beautiful boat.  It will probably come down to trial and error as I work with the wood.

[Stu Jackson]

I just took my mainsail off today for refurbishing.

Think positively, it's a great way to get to learn the intricacies (sp?) of your second-best-friend.