Considering an ‘81 C&C 32, looking for your thoughts.

[Opie91]

Originally Posted by Crustyfisherman

Hi Opie,
I'm far from an expert, but the following advice from the Dashews regarding sealing the mast-thru-deck dilemma looks spot on:

The ultimate mast sealing system! Aboard Beowulf we start with the plastic boot supplied by Forespar which fits the extrusion. A bead of silicon is added to the top and bottom edges to try and help seal them.
Next comes the “secret weapon” shown in the top photo. This is a neoprene (wet suit material) gasket which fits over the Forespar boot. If the mast is out of the boat, it can be slipped over the bottom end prior to putting the spar back. Otherwise, it is glued together using appropriate neoprene cement.
Self bonding tape is then applied around the upper edge.
The upper and bottom edges are then sealed to the mast beneath by using moderately tight shock cord.
The entire assembly is then covered with a Sunbrella fabric sun shield.
A boot like this lasts about two years aboard Beowulf, and is the only way we’ve found to keep the mainmast dry where it penetrates the deck.

Thanks for the tip.

Currently I am using the original plastic boot and cover it with the self amalgamating mast boot tape. That works pretty good.

The biggest problem is the design. The deck flange is shaped like a bowl that holds water. Not good.

Notiesbob is right, most of the water comes from inside the mast. It can be a crazy amount if the wind is howling with heavy rain.

It just is what it is.