Sounds like the homemade rubber washer was an add on. Can you post a photo? The cork was indeed original and meant to keep water out of the mast. However once absorbed the cork will rot and then break apart.
Sounds like the homemade rubber washer was an add on. Can you post a photo? The cork was indeed original and meant to keep water out of the mast. However once absorbed the cork will rot and then break apart.
I am restoring a 1967 sunfish I inherited from and deseaced relative. There is a bolt with a home made rubber washer/gasket from the bottom up into the mast step. What is this and what components do I need to repair replace this? what purpoose did it serve as it doesn't seem to fasten to the base of the mast anywhere. Also there was a dryed cork in the base of the mast? OEM? was it to keep water out of the mast?
So was the bolt through the hull up into the mast step standard? Do you know what it served? Should I just get a new stainless bolt and gasket to fit from westmarine and attempt to replace?
here are some pictures of the hole through the bottom of the hull up into the mast step, the bolt and homemade gasket and the top of the mast step. I just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing to seal up this hole. I appreciate any guideance. Any ideas where to get the replacement plactic end cap for the mast?
thanks so much!
This is indeed a first for securing the mast. Perhaps a patent application is called for, or is it too late for that...
More seriously, good advice from minifish2
So now i got to know whats inside. I cut open the fordeck for the access port to the maststep (remember that issue). my west Marine instructor had advised to cut it 6" or so forward of the mast step as this would be the least stressed area undersail and best access for any repairs. I have to cut some foam away to get in and immediately it feels damp. no standing water but tons of moisture. i think I've solved the mystery of the trough hull bolt repair. apparently the mast step must of snapped out at one point. They inserted a wood disk down into the mast step, then drilled up through the hull and inserted the bolt to secure the base. I'm certain that once the base had been comprimised,(even though they had "secured the base again) this was a major point of water entry. It would then be drained, and resailed over and over.
So, now i'm feeling bound and determined to give this damn thing it new life and do it right. I'm thinking I will reuse the cut away deck material for a glass support ring to support the upper mast step from inside the hull with west system,(as mindfish suggested, thanks!) then make a two part mahogony mast step base cut to wrap the bottom and west system around base. plug the hole on the bottom hull with duct tape and fill thriough the step from the inside. I love old classic stuff and enjoy knowing I'm giving something a new life, but OMG.....I am stubborn this way and pissed I'm aready into this for $150......OK reality check time...am I nuts?
"...So, now i'm feeling bound and determined to give this damn thing it new life and do it right. I'm thinking I will reuse the cut away deck material for a glass support ring to support the upper mast step from inside the hull with west system,(as mindfish suggested, thanks!) then make a two part mahogony mast step base cut to wrap the bottom and west system around base. plug the hole on the bottom hull with duct tape and fill thriough the step from the inside. I love old classic stuff and enjoy knowing I'm giving something a new life, but OMG.....I am stubborn this way and pissed I'm aready into this for $150......OK reality check time...am I nuts?