Dare I drill holes in my mast?

[Nani Kai]

Prepping for a return to the Bahamas after a 2.5yr hiatus. Removed the vinyl winch handle pocket at the base of our mast in order to clean the scrunge that had accumulated behind it. Which uncovered a slot in the mast matching one on the other side which allows for wiring to exit the mast and go elsewhere. Looking in the slot I discovered about 6 inches of water trapped there. Not feeling kindly about continuously soaking the bottom of the mast in salt water I would like to drill a few drain holes in each side of the mast about 1" above the deck.

I was thinking maybe 1/4" dia. Anything smaller I think will just clog up; anything larger makes me nervous.

Thoughts?

[sailormed]

Yes you can. Clean the holes regularly with a barbecu stick.

[SVTatia]

Originally Posted by Nani Kai

Prepping for a return to the Bahamas after a 2.5yr hiatus. Removed the vinyl winch handle pocket at the base of our mast in order to clean the scrunge that had accumulated behind it. Which uncovered a slot in the mast matching one on the other side which allows for wiring to exit the mast and go elsewhere. Looking in the slot I discovered about 6 inches of water trapped there. Not feeling kindly about continuously soaking the bottom of the mast in salt water I would like to drill a few drain holes in each side of the mast about 1" above the deck.

I was thinking maybe 1/4" dia. Anything smaller I think will just clog up; anything larger makes me nervous.

Thoughts?

I assume your mast is deck stepped and on a mast step. Before drilling, give some thought on the kind of mast step you have, some have flanges to keep the mast in place, they keep the water in, so you may have to drill thru the flange as well. Example below.