Water in my mast

I started with some searches but couldn't find any Getaway specific information about getting water out of my mast. I just bought the boat and found the water after I got it home...

Two Questions:

1. Is it a major problem that there is water in my mast? I have no idea how long its been there...
2. What is the easiest way to get the water out?

Thanks for your help!

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'01 Getaway - Wetted Bliss

You don't want water in the mast. Makes it heavy and very hard to right the boat after a capsize.

Before getting the water out, find out where it leaks first so that you can fix it. Also depending on where it's leaking, that might be where you want to open it up since you'll need to fix it. To check for leaks, place the mast in water and watch for bubbles.

For example, if it's leaking around the base, best to drill out the rivets and remove the base, then properly seal the base when putting it back on.

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Marc...
1978 Hobie 16 Keoke, sail# 36 84

Water in your mast can turn into a real issue if it ever freezes - have you ever left a coke can in your freezer at home? It will fail the mast - need to drill a small hole in the luff track below the sail opening and drain it out - (then go a re-seal the mast everywhere - paying special attention to the comtip joint and all fittings)

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Jacques Bernier
http://www.hobie.com/
http://www.facebook.com/HobieCatCompany

After I drill a hole in the luff track do I need to put a screw or something in there to seal that back up? Suggestion for size of hole to drill?

The boat will now be stored in a garage. The PO stored it outside with the mast stepped.

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'01 Getaway - Wetted Bliss

For my Wave, I drilled the hole with the smallest bit in my set, maybe 1/32 or 1/64, just enough to let it seep out. I left it unplugged, so it would always drain if more got in. When I capsize, my bob does a good job of keeping the mast from sinking, so the mast base never gets wet. I'm not sure about the Getaway, so your results may vary.

You might just put a glob of silicone over the hole, so if it does fill up again, it has a weak spot to blow out, rather than split the mast.

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What - Me Worry?


2006 Hobie Wave 7358
"Ish Kabibble"

Where did you drill the hole? In the luff track? How far up?

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'01 Getaway - Wetted Bliss

I drilled the hole inside the luff track, maybe an inch & a half above the base. You just want to be above the casting insert. You could check the parts diagram to guesstimate how far it goes up. For the Getaway, it may be more than the Wave, since the mast is bigger.

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What - Me Worry?


2006 Hobie Wave 7358
"Ish Kabibble"

Great thanks. It doesn't look like it goes up too far...

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'01 Getaway - Wetted Bliss

I'm not sure of the specifics of the Getaway mast, but Hobie has traditionally used foam plugs inside the mast about one foot from either end for sealing. If you drill your drain hole only an inch or so above the mast base, then likely you'll be below the plug and the water won't drain out. If you add a hole, you need to drill it above the plug. The other option would be to remove the mast base and look inside to see if/where the plug is located.

sm

Well that explains why only a tiny amount came out. I'll step it and see if anymore comes out before drilling more holes...

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'01 Getaway - Wetted Bliss

I have water in my Wave mast. I'm interested in solutions.

My water is between two plugs. I dont want to drill a hole in the mast, but I am not sure what else to do. The top plug is about 1.5 ft from the top of the bottom mast section. And the plug is intact. The water is definitely not going anywhere on its own.

I think the water comes from condensation or immersion due to the black mast heating up and cooling down.

Side note: For a little more bouyancy, I was thinking about shoving a pool noodle up the top section and 1.5 ft of the bottom section.

Lee.