Black Panther 1,587 Posted August 21, 2019 Share Posted August 21, 2019 We have developed a drip of freshwater at the base of the mast when it rains hard. What can i put in the mast to stop it? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Island Time 1,235 Posted August 21, 2019 Share Posted August 21, 2019 Depends. Normally a mast plug can be used just above deck level, and with a drain hole in the side. But then cables must be in a conduit, and sometimes when it rains really hard a little water still gets by. It can be really hard to stop completely. Retro fit with mast in is almost impossible! Maybe a drain in the bottom to the shower or main bilges? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Black Panther 1,587 Posted August 21, 2019 Author Share Posted August 21, 2019 Right now it is going to the bilge which is a bad thing. Looks like there is something at deck level as there is a drain hole but it must be dying of old age.i was trying to think of a fax at the lowest halyard exit Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Island Time 1,235 Posted August 21, 2019 Share Posted August 21, 2019 If there is an existing seal, then provided all the cables are in a conduit, a SMALL amount of liquid expanding foam can fix it. Just sufficient to put say a 1cm thick layer on the existing one. Bloody hard to remove though... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Island Time 1,235 Posted August 21, 2019 Share Posted August 21, 2019 And you'll need a new drain a little higher up.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Black Panther 1,587 Posted August 21, 2019 Author Share Posted August 21, 2019 It was bloody heavy rain, is it possible the water backed up to the top of the conduit? Its a small drain, about the size of a big rivet Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Vorpal Blade 89 Posted August 21, 2019 Share Posted August 21, 2019 Find the lowest halyard or whatever hole in the mast that gives you some access inside. Find a ballon, put it in the mast and inflate, tie off balloon. Get a smooth tipped stick and push it down a bit, try to get it down at least 100mm from the hole you are working through. Squirt in some foam on top of balloon. If you don't squirt in too much foam it will seal up to the access hole and all will be well with the world, too much and there could be a clean up pending. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ex Machina 366 Posted August 21, 2019 Share Posted August 21, 2019 Another take on the above is liquid silicone poured on top of the balloon Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Island Time 1,235 Posted August 21, 2019 Share Posted August 21, 2019 So very first thing, make certain that the existing drain hole is clear and not blocked. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ex Machina 366 Posted August 22, 2019 Share Posted August 22, 2019 Pourable silicon as in mould making stuff? What about foaming epoxy? Yep mold making stuff , it’s a bit easier to get the level correct with the drain hole Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sail Rock 28 Posted August 22, 2019 Share Posted August 22, 2019 If using pourable silicone, first check there are no old rivet holes or other gaps in the mast wiring conduit that the silicone can flow into. Otherwise you’ll fill up the conduit and not be able to replace or draw new wires through it! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ballystick 72 Posted August 22, 2019 Share Posted August 22, 2019 Who stocks pourable silicone? I haven't been able to find anything that will pour and self-level except a Sika product for teak decks that has to be bought in bulk and has a short shelf life! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sail Rock 28 Posted August 22, 2019 Share Posted August 22, 2019 I purchased some tubes from a Sika agent in East Tamaki a few years ago. It’s quite expensive. Google the Sika catalogue to find the specific product. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ballystick 72 Posted August 22, 2019 Share Posted August 22, 2019 I know what that is, I was looking for an alternative Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Island Time 1,235 Posted August 22, 2019 Share Posted August 22, 2019 try https://www.sculpturesupplies.co.nz/product/silicone-pourable-starter-kit Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chewing Gum 17 Posted August 22, 2019 Share Posted August 22, 2019 I did as suggested by Steve Ashley and removed a halyard sheave box near deck level. If you don't have a hole there I imagine cutting one around 50-60-70mm dia should be ok - check with a mast fabricator Next shaped some flexible foam to approx mast shape and pushed it in through the hole and down say 15mm below sheave hole. (Flexible foam - might have used the stuff Burnsco sell for seating - not sure.) Then spread flexible sealant from Sika on top of foam and left to set. This was a few years back so can't remember the name of the sealant but it was not silicone. As Steve mentioned it was thicker than what Sika used to produce so dificult to push around back of cable tube so we still had a slight leak. Next mod was put in a layer of slightly thickened epoxy on top. Voila no leaks and been there at least 5 years. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ex Machina 366 Posted August 22, 2019 Share Posted August 22, 2019 The Fibreglass shop stocks several different brands at varying prices . If you do an NZ specific search online for “liquid silicone “ there are quite a few suppliers Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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