Mastboot or Tape

[kevMar]

what is the best way to keep water from getting in from where the mast enters the boat. I have seen tape and also mast boot..   88 cat hull 615

[Lance Jones]

I actually use several methods. I have a boot (Catalina Direct) that has the top of it taped. Also, I took some old 1/4 inch line and stuffed it around the base. Then, I filled with silicon. Repeat until to the top of the opening. I then put the boot over that and then taped the top. Works well.

Cheers.

[Ron Hill]

kev : Not too sure is if this a "what if" kind of question or whether you have a real now kind of water problem?
A mast boot is probably the best much better than tape, but some people have used an epoxy called "Spar-tight" to make a permanent (but removable) seal.  You'll have to use silicone caulk around the inside and outside joints of the Spar-tight.

[Ted Pounds]

Actually Spartite is NOT designed to seal the partners.  It still requires a mast boot of some sort.  Spartite is intended to replace the wedges at the the partners.  It solves the problem of the wedges loosening and falling out and allows the pressure to be spread evenly around the circumference of the mast.

[Stu Jackson]

Kevin

The Quick Start Guide (http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5260.0.html) also suggests using the search engine.  There are many hits on "mast boot", some of which include these links:

Sunbrella cover with photo:  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4510.0.html

Leak Prevention technique with photos:  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4631.0.html

Using silicone:  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3548.0.html

You can also do a search on the word "partners"

[crieders]

I did that job last season. Easier than it seems. Silicone, mast boot and some tape around top of boot and you'll never see a drop of water