[C320-list] Deck step for 96

[M K via C320-list]

Hello All,
I have my mast down for inspection as well as installing a RM wind speed
transducer.

The mast step has a tube cast through it that allows a path for cables to
the compression post and out into the bilge.

I discovered the top end of this tube was completely sealed with silicone.
Is this a common practice? Should it be sealed. I am new to this, and can
understand reasons for and against. The big downside of it being sealed is
if I ever need to replace or add a cable I can't do it without unstepping
the mast and removing the seal. Also with it sealed I will need to splice
a connector into my new transducer cable, rather than pull the intact cable
through while stepping the mast.

I'm wondering if someone sealed it the last time the mast was down just to
keep water/birds/debris out until the mast was stepped again.

Any advice would be appreciated....

Thanks in advance.

Matt Knoll
#315 MaryAnne

[David Crosby via C320-list]

I suggest that you reseal this before restepping the mast.

My friend’s 320, we changed the mast step out to a custom built hinged mast step. And then we made the mistake of cutting that flange off nearly flush with the top of the step so that the mast. He has been getting a lot of water in bilge and we are confident that it is coming from the mast. Even throughout the winter with the boat fully covered, he still gets rain water in the bilge. We will be sealing that opening with silicone in the very near future.

David Crosby
#006 Alizé

[Allan Field via C320-list]

This thread raises a few potential issues with me. The first is that my
understanding is that the wires coming down the mast should not go in a
straight line into that tube. Rather, they should come down away from the
tube, go down almost to the deck, make a 180 loop, head back up to the
tube, make another 180, then enter the tube. This allows any water coming
down the mast wiring to fall to the bottom of the mast step.

Second, the mast step plate should have drain holes that MUST be kept clear
of crud, not something that is always at the top of one's Good Intentions
List. But that's the only way the mast SHOULD drain.

Third, any water coming down the mast must drain, especially if the boat is
stored during cold climate. Otherwise, the water, if that tube has a
silicone seal in the tube and/or clogged drain holes, builds up, freezes,
and worse case, can crack the mast.

All this is a long way of saying that I don't think you want that tube
sealed.

Hope this helps!

Allan S Field
Sea Shadow - C387 #103 (formerly C320 #808)
Columbia, MD

Allan S. Field

[M K via C320-list]

Thank you Allan and David. Very much appreciated.

Allan you make some great points regarding the reason for the non linear
routing of the current cables. They actually come down the mast in a
conduit almost to the step plate and then back up (uphill) and down the
tube. I am also in a cold climate where freezing is an issue 5+ months of
the year, and hadn't considered water pooling in the base of the mast.

David, thanks for sharing the results of shortening the tube. With mine
being OEM it stands about 3.5 or 4 inches above the plate. If I am
diligent in keeping the drain hole open that should go a long way
toward keeping my bilge dry.

Thanks again, Gents! The advice and guidance available on this list is
fantastic.