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Wouldn’t this let in even more water to the mast- especially when I flip over?No need to remove the end cap. Just drill a hole in the middle of the cap. This will allow water to drain whenever you finish sailing.
Then how do I replace the pins to replace the end cap?Doug's solution is the easiest, but if you want to remove the cap, the little pins can be pushed inward. Just use a nail to push and a hammer. Be gentle and make sure you don't loose the pins once you have the cap off.
If you sail in salty water, it might be a good idea to give the inside of the mast a good rinse.
Also the opening that you place the mast into was filled with water. I’d imaging that a hole in the end cap would allow that water to seep up into the mast...unless that’s what already happening.No need to remove the end cap. Just drill a hole in the middle of the cap. This will allow water to drain whenever you finish sailing.
So I’m drilling a hole in the end cap at the bottom of the mast- where it goes into the mast step? How big a hole? Does a regular drill work?The mast end cap is not designed to be water tight. Generally you will get water in the mast from regular sailing up to deck level which is the water level in your mast step. (Any more will drain while the boat is upright.) With a small hole in the cap you can drain out the water after your sailing session. One problem with keeping water in the mast is corrosion from the inside which can lead to failure after a period of time.
I drilled the hole but the water didn’t come out. Not even a drop.Put a hole in the center if the cap. Start with a 3/16 inch, you can aways increase if needed. Standard drill and bit, it is just plastic. You don't have to remove the cap from the mast.
Stick a long stiff wire (from a coat hanger or similar) into the hole to see if there is an obstruction, like L&VW surmised.I drilled the hole but the water didn’t come out. Not even a drop.
I drilled the hole larger and the drill bit was filled with cork so that is what is obstructing the water. I’m still not confident that I can get the pins out or back in if I attempt to remove the end cap. Will it damage the mast to leave the water in?Stick a long stiff wire (from a coat hanger or similar) into the hole to see if there is an obstruction, like L&VW surmised.
I did try a wet vacuum. It sounds like there is less water in there now. Just a bit which I’m hoping will be ok.I suppose if you like drilling holes you could drill a hole in the top cap also.
Or put a wet vac on the first hole and see if it will draw water out.
If we were working on that mast, our next step would be to remove a cap, maybe the top cap next.
I am not sure how to get the pins in or out to remove the end caps. I used a wet vac and there is a small amount of water still in there. Will that damage the mast with freezing?I suppose if you like drilling holes you could drill a hole in the top cap also.
Or put a wet vac on the first hole and see if it will draw water out.
If we were working on that mast, our next step would be to remove a cap, maybe the top cap next.
There is advice above on how to do that. If you don’t, freezing water won’t affect the mast - it’s made of strong aluminum. If it’s salt water it would be good to get it out due to corrosion potential.I am not sure how to get the pins in or out to remove the end caps. I used a wet vac and there is a small amount of water still in there. Will that damage the mast with freezing?