sealing tang holes, mast water leaks

[Brion Toss]

Hi,
I have on occasion made a dam by inflating a balloon inside the mast, just below the lowest exit. The trick is to have inflated enough to be firm, but little enough that you can work it down into position. With the balloon in place, heel the boat away from the exit a bit, and pour/pump in your sealant until it is level with the bottom of the exit. The result is a sloped dam that guides the water out.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

[Patrick_Seattle]

Originally Posted by Brion Toss

Hi,
I have on occasion made a dam by inflating a balloon inside the mast, just below the lowest exit. The trick is to have inflated enough to be firm, but little enough that you can work it down into position. With the balloon in place, heel the boat away from the exit a bit, and pour/pump in your sealant until it is level with the bottom of the exit. The result is a sloped dam that guides the water out.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

That is a really awesome idea. What did you use for the sealant?

Thanks,
-p

[Ian McColgin]

That is an awesome solution. Being a woodenboat guy with wooden sticks, I settle for a weep hole in the mast's butt.

[Brion Toss]

Hi again,
Spartite works, with a stiff enough balloon. But I've also just pumped in caulk, with a bit of tubing for reach. Glad you like the idea. Can't remember where I saw it first.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss