What 32 do you have? I own a E32-3 (1987) and, yes, there is water intrusion at the mast and it's typical for that boat. Not sure about earlier models of the 32. If you have a mark 3 version you'll notice that it has a mast/shower sump bilge which, on my boat is almost alway filled with some water. I use to have a rotary type pump in that bilge but changed it over to a diaphragm type which can suck out most all of the water without refilling from the back pressure in the line after a rotary pump stops. I also have plans on installing a diaphragm put in the "main" bilge too.
There are some things you can do to reduce the water intrusion. Make sure that your mast boot is secure and not letting water in at the deck. Mine needs to be repaired/replaced. Also, at least on my mast, there is a small almost unseen slot in the base of the mast facing aft. Sometimes this gets clogged with whatever junk is in the mast and needs to be cleaned out. I found that a typical butter knife does the job of clearing it and allowing whatever water is in the mast to make it out to the mast/shower bilge.
I see that you're from NYC so during the winter I suck out all the water in the mast bilge and then pour in a bit of anti-freeze. Since water will find it's way into the bilge the anti-freeze will help it becoming one solid block of ice. I make a trip to the boat every two to four weeks during the winter to check it out and again drain the mast bilge and re-fill with a bit of anti-freeze once again.
Bolo- many thanks for your thoughtful and detailed answer. I have a 29 and have been looking at a 32 that had a bilge filled with water. Perhaps I have been very fortunate with my E 29.What 32 do you have? I own a E32-3 (1987) and, yes, there is water intrusion at the mast and it's typical for that boat. Not sure about earlier models of the 32. If you have a mark 3 version you'll notice that it has a mast/shower sump bilge which, on my boat is almost alway filled with some water. I use to have a rotary type pump in that bilge but changed it over to a diaphragm type which can suck out most all of the water without refilling from the back pressure in the line after a rotary pump stops. I also have plans on installing a diaphragm put in the "main" bilge too.
There are some things you can do to reduce the water intrusion. Make sure that your mast boot is secure and not letting water in at the deck. Mine needs to be repaired/replaced. Also, at least on my mast, there is a small almost unseen slot in the base of the mast facing aft. Sometimes this gets clogged with whatever junk is in the mast and needs to be cleaned out. I found that a typical butter knife does the job of clearing it and allowing whatever water is in the mast to make it out to the mast/shower bilge.
I see that you're from NYC so during the winter I suck out all the water in the mast bilge and then pour in a bit of anti-freeze. Since water will find it's way into the bilge the anti-freeze will help it becoming one solid block of ice. I make a trip to the boat every two to four weeks during the winter to check it out and again drain the mast bilge and re-fill with a bit of anti-freeze once again.