Rainwater collecting in the step well of my Sunday Cat

[Steve Caplow]

On my 2013 Sunday Cat the well around the base of the mast accumulates water. It looks like there might have once been a drain, but was covered up by a previous owner. I imagine he covered it to avoid getting water in the bilge, which is always completely dry. Has anyone got a good solution to prevent rainwater from tricking down the mast into the well? I think it is likely trickling down the open mast track in heavy rain.

[bruce]

It was standard practice for Com-Pac to seal the track with caulk at the mast partner/deck collar.   If yours is missing, stuff something in there to see if that helps. Is your boat stored outside? Mast up or down? If down, I made a plug out of 1/2" neoprene rubber that sealed the mast stub pretty well.
https://cpyoa.com/forum/index.php?topic=11706.msg87992#msg87992

Lots of other ways for water to get to the bilges if it's not at the mast. Throw a tarp over the top to see if that helps and work from there.

[Roland of Macatawa]

Hi, Steve:

A picture would be helpful.
I'm not understanding what you are describing when saying:
  "... the well around the base of the mast ..."

Bruce is correct about the seal in the mast's sail-track at the deck.
Also correct about the need to seal the inside of the mast stub.


There is no drain to the bilge from the anchor rode locker or mast foot areas.
If there were, it would run right thru the cuddy cabin area, and it does not; unless it was modified.
Those areas if wet, must be pumped out and sponged dry.

Regards, Roland

[Steve Caplow]

Thanks for the replies.  I keep the boat on a mooring in the Sakonnet River with the mast up all the time. Bruce, your explanation makes sense since the base section of the mast was replaced and they didn't caulk the slot at the deck level.  Your rubber plug is elegant but I'm trying to avoid removing the sail and boom with the boat on the water. As you've suggested I will try stuffing some closed cell packing foam in the track and see if I can stop most of the infiltration.

[bruce]

If the mast stub was replaced they should have caulked the track closed just above the deck plate, and also should have caulked the stub to the deck plate and cabin top. Even if they did it could be leaking. Closed cell foam sounds good to plug track quickly, some duct tape overlapping the stub and deck plate should temporarily stop a leak there as well.

If the mast is up I doubt you're getting much water down the stub, if they are aligned and mate well. Some more duct tape would confirm that.