E43 Ketch Maststep Leak
Date: June 5, 2001
From: Joyce M. Parmar jmparmar@home.com
Major leak into aft cabin from foot of mizzen mast, tracks across to starboard side above vanity. The wood behind and above finishing has rotted somewhat. Other than removing the mast does anyone have any suggestions.
Date: June 7, 2001
From: Stuart Phillips StuP@aol.com
I have an Endeavor 43 Ketch. I have had exactly the same problem. Unfortunately we found that we had to take down the mast and rebuild the support to the compression post. We found that the problem was in the support of the mast by the compression post.
At the same time we took down the after Hatch and recaulked it. It has not leaked since.
I found that there were also leaks around the main mast. You should check the I beam that is the support of the main mast for rust. Some of the original supports were shipped without galvanization. They rusted and needed to be replaced.
The other Hatches need to be taken out and recaulked at regular intervals or they will leak into the headliner also.
I hope that someone has a way of fixing it without taken the mast down. If they do please copy me. If not let us know how it worked out.
Date: November 2, 2010
From: Donald Chisholm
I have a major leak into my aft cabin and I belive it is from the area of the Mizzen mast support, has anyone had this experience and if so what recommendations would you make to fix it without having to remove the mast to gain access to the fibreglass support structure.
Date: November 2, 2010
From: Bruce McCampbell
Don,
Have you removed and re sealed the aft hatch. The other place it will leak is the boxes in the aft wall of the cockpit. The mizzen is stepped on a solid chunk of glass that would only leak if you hit a bridge. If the overhead is original, then it is a solid piece of plywood. A leak can start on one side of the boat and run to the other. Try to remove the starboard aft box to gain a visual access to the leak area. Apply the water and if you can't see the leak, then it is coming in under the trim on the aft hatch. You can remove and replace the hatch and trim from the outside.
Bruce
Date: November 2, 2010
From: Andrew Loughrin
I also have a 43 and had a problem with a leak that I did not notice until I pulled the masts. I think the water was from the rain that comes down the inside of the mast and follows the wiring into the boat. The structural support for the mizzen is inside the fiberglass and is wood and hard to get to. Your boat may have a inspection plate on the backrest in the cockpit threw which you can inspect this area or you may need to cut one in. What happens is the mizzen support rots out and then the mizzen looses it's connecting support to the newel post in the aft cabin. If allowed to exist for a time the aft cabin top starts to deform from the pressure. If you inspect yours and find that you have problems with rot then get back to me and I will share with you one of the fixes. (Not much fun)
Good luck Andy
Date: November 2, 2010
From: Craig Hunter
This is a common problem on 43K's. The mast will need to be lifted and reseated. Sikaflex is the best but make sure the glass structure isn't cracked.
Date: November 2, 2010
From: Bob Leahy
Don,
If you are speaking of the mizzen supports on the toe rail. remove the screws on the top stainless plate on the toe rail where the stay connects to the chain plate. The caulking that was initially installed in that area has dried up. Clean the residue in the toe rail and then using "life caulk liquid sealant" fill the hole to the top of the toe rail. Let that cure for 24 hours and repeat until the liquid caulk remains proud of the toe rail. It will take several applications to fill in the void that surrounds the chain plate as it penetrates the toe rail and cabin top. I would recommend that you look at all of the chain plate covers and follow the same procedure for each.
I chased several leaks for two years and when I stumbled on to the void around the chain plate, I was amazed.
I hope this help..
Bob Leahy
E43 Scruples
New Bern, NC
Date: November 2, 2010
From: Donald Chisholm
Thanks Bob,
I have encountered that problem in the past and did exactly as you did but what I am talking about is the fibreglass structure that the mizzen mast sits on, it appears to be the place where water is ingressing, I dont know what the mast steps on but I assume it is the standard mast step and perhaps the bolds have rusted through or the caulking has deteroriated.
Date: November 2, 2010
From: Donald Chisholm
Thanks Andy,
That has answered some of my questions..what is behind that fibreglass support, I would be glad to hear of your fix
Date: November 2, 2010
From: Donald Chisholm
Thanks Craig,
I was afraid that would be the only way out.
Date: November 2, 2010
From: Capt. Paul West
Donald,
I've got that leak too... It comes down over the desk area in the aft stateroom. I've gooped up all the spots that I can see and now I'm wondering if there is a direct hole in the top of the mast that is letting the water come down the inside of the mizzen mast and exit in the aft stateroom on the starboard side over the desk. It's a heck of a leak and it has to be coming from the mast, hardware or anything that is above the stateroom.
Maybe the wenches or traveler or... Let's keep this dialog up so we can take care of this situation...
Date: November 3, 2010
From: Remi Marenette
Hi,
Had the same problem and found that I had to put sealer under the mizzen support and that cured it.
Remi SV Free At Last (Formerly Calypso's Ketch)
