Mast Boot wrap

[nquigley]

I installed a self-bonding mast boot wrap several years ago, but cannot recall what I used. It now has developed many small holes. I need a wrap, not a formed boot as the mast will not be removed.
What do y’all recommend (or, not recommend)? I see 2 options at WM.

 

[Loren Beach]

Whatever you wrap the mast penetration with, be Sure to cover it with a Sunbrella (r) boot to keep the UV away. Pix in my blog.
If you are not pulling the spar, you can used a self-amalgamating material to tightly wrap the spar and collar fitting.

O34 - Mast Wedges & Gaiter, (Kenyon spar, O-34)

Back a couple decades ago, I replaced the factory hardwood wedges. They had put in four, with longer ones on each side. There were "corner" areas with no wedging/support, and it seemed like there should be more continuous support all the way...

ericsonyachts.org

 

[c.gustafson]

Several years ago, I had some leakage at the mast boot on my '87 38-200. I purchased an innertube for a small tire (my recollection is that the innertube was for a wheelbarrow) and then cut the innertube so that it would wrap around the mast a couple times. I used some sort of sealant at the top portion of the innertube and, of course, used large metal hose clamps at the top and bottom of the innertube. And then I wrapped the "mast boot" with relatively wide, white mast boot tape. No leaks over the last 5 years.

 

[Christian Williams]

Sunbrella mast gaiter (see Loren's post) made with home sewing machine and Velcro closure.

Seal is provided by stretchy boot tape underneath, but is vulnerable to UV.

 

[Tin Kicker]

Replace as needed.

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[Sam Vickery]

Many years ago (advanced age does not allow to remember when exactly) I use Spartite on my 1986 32-3. Fantastic stuff. no leaks and the mast is still up.

Sam
1986 32-3
M25 engine
Dana Point, Ca.

 

[peaman]

Just finished making a sunbrella gaitor to protect the mast boot tape from UV. Challenge was to make a fitted cover within the tight 4” vertical space available on the 32-3.

 

[frick]

Several years ago, I had some leakage at the mast boot on my '87 38-200. I purchased an innertube for a small tire (my recollection is that the innertube was for a wheelbarrow) and then cut the innertube so that it would wrap around the mast a couple times. I used some sort of sealant at the top portion of the innertube and, of course, used large metal hose clamps at the top and bottom of the innertube. And then I wrapped the "mast boot" with relatively wide, white mast boot tape. No leaks over the last 5 years.

The perfect 70s solution

 

[Prairie Schooner]

Just finished making a sunbrella gaitor to protect the mast boot tape from UV. Challenge was to make a fitted cover within the tight 4” vertical space available on the 32-3.

View attachment 50420 View attachment 50421

Looks great! This is something we've got on the list. Below are images of a reproduction project my canvas tech friend is doing for a client. It has some additional construction ideas. It's for an oval/oblong mast. Your darts make it more tailored. This might be too puffy. I'll see if she can get me shots of it installed.

 

[peaman]

It's for an oval/oblong mast.

I have noticed some Ericsons have a circular flange on the deck mounted plate, which might be simpler to fit. On mine, the flange has the same flat-bottomed egg shape (when viewed from above) as the mast section. So rather than a uniform curve all the way around the mast, on mine the sides are planar, while the nose and aft corners are very conical. The darts were the hardest part, as you can see if you look closely, but they came out okay on the third try.