Totally leak proof mast boot.

[Patrigo]

Fremantle is the port of Perth, W Australia, and many Freo yachts can go upriver to the City for regattas etc. yet still have a keel stepped mast to handle Indian Ocean weather. This is achieved by a mast hinged at a 45 degree cut, just above the coach roof/deck, each face having a half inch plate welded to it. These plates are then joined by 4 bolts. 2 vertical plates welded to each side of the join overlap and with a pin through them give a hinge. This results in a stump which can be a permanent part of the boat (mine has 2 sewer O rings with sikkaflex injected between them in a custom made aluminium fitting bolted to the coach roof) and a mast which can be lowered to get under bridges etc. I don't intend to do any bridge ducking, but removing my mast in a boatyard for maintenance etc. is a piece of cake and the integrity of down below not compromised in any way. Electrical wiring bypasses the join in a PVC conduit.