Leaking Tube

[marshden]

My CS-15 has sprung a leak in the main mast tube. It was not there when I decked the boat over, I checked. The leak is near the base of the tube. I cannot reach the tube to wrap more layers of epoxy and fiberglass tape around the base without cutting a larger hole in the fwd bulkead. I reckon I could pour some thickened epoxy into the tube. Anyone else here have this happen? How did you resolve it? What might be the best way of going about fixing the leak. I'd appreciate your suggestions. Thanks.

[DeeeCeee]

G'day Traddles,

I was thinking about this when I built my mast tube etc. Fortunately I didn't have a leak so all was well. But my solution would be to cut a circle of 1/4 ply, small enough to fit easily into the mast tube. Fully epoxy it, 3 coats, all over. When cured apply some thickened epoxy to one side (which will become the bottom), just enough to squeeze out around the edges when pressed down (make sure you keep it away from the edges at this stage). Lower the disc down the tube (epoxy side down) and apply a little pressure and bingo. Wait till it sets up and you're done.

I did put a drain in the bottom of mine and it drains thru a tube into the cockpit when any water gets down the tube, but if it were to leak I think I could access it via the hatch which I made a bit larger than the plan.

Good luck with the fix.

Dave

[marshden]

Hi Dave, thanks for the tip. I've a drain tube as well. The leak developed on the portside bottom of my tube. I could not tell if there was a hole or if there was a failure in the tape/step join.

My solution was a bit different than yours. I cut a 3 5/8" (should have been 3 3/4" for a better fit) hole in a piece of 6mm ply and then made a collar for the base of the mast tube. Slathered it with epoxy all around, put a coat of thickened epoxy on the bottom and fitted it to the base of the mast tube where the leak was. I put a generous fillet around the collar and tube and then laid a few pieces of fiberglass tape soaked in epoxy on the collar and tube. I was doing this blind as my arm was about the only thing that could fit in the opening. Woodenboat would not be pleased with the subsequent mess, so don't expect a pretty photo essay in that esteemed magazine, but I think it will do the trick. I'll know tomorrow a.m.

BTW, I loved the video of your boat you posted sometime back. It looks like you had a great sail that day.

Best,

Traddles