Asmat, Thanks.  Jonathan  

Erik and Evi Menzel Ivey wrote:

Jonathan - I'd be curious what holds our partners in.  We have tapered hole a flange that bolts down on the deck.  Our urethane partners are slightly tapered to match the hole, and the flange presses them in like wedges.  I use butyl rubber - any larger/commercial window store should carry it - to seal any of the gaps.  Its very clean to work with and reasonably easy to remove. Even if you just push it into the gaps it should perform well.

Erik

Asmat Downey wrote:

Hello Jonathan, I'd run a bead of polyurethane sealant, Sikaflex or similar, on top of the Spartite around the mast. It is much more reliable than silicone, can be painted and sticks like stuff to a blanket. When the time comes to extract the mast, slitting this seal with a Stanley knife should free it.

 

On Lexia the through deck partner for both mast is made of Spartight.  The top of the join between the Spartight and the mast was then sealed with a bead of silicone to stop the water from the mast running down into the boat.  Then a split canvas boot was fitted which was taped at the top, also to keep out water. 

Inevitably, over time, these water resisting arrangements have decayed eg the tape leaks and the silicone bead leaks. 

The waterproofing of these through mast joints will shortly get to the top of the list of maintenance tasks. 

I could again use a silicone bead between the top of the Spartight and the mast and again tape round the top of the canvas boot and it would probably be satisfactory for a year or two before the joints start to leek again. 

I am pretty sure, however, that in the not too distant past I saw discussion on a forum of the best ways to keep the water out and I remember thinking about one solution offered (was it by Paul Thomson?) and thinking "That's the answer.  I must remember that!"  

However, as is increasingly the way of these things, I can't remember what the solution was.  Neither can I find it by searching through the fora.

I would be grateful for any advice either with a pointer to the previous discussion or suggestions as to how best to proceed.

Many thanks.