Upon capsizing, should my mast fill with water?

I noticed that after I righted it, there was water draining out of a couple old cleat holes (where a cleat was missing). The mast was "peeing" for a long time. This made me think that the mast was obviously filling up with water and must have been the reason that righting the boat was so challenging? Is this normal?

You need to seal any and all holes in the mast.

Since the top of the mast hits the water first, the leak is more likely up there. I only capsized once, but the lower part of the mast was not in the water. Just the tip and possibly the mast tang. I don't have a comp tip, so can't leak at the joint.

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

The lower part of the mast was not in the water. So I'm sure there's some leaking up near the top.

I'm willing to disconnect all lines and remove the mast from the boat to test its leakiness by sealing what I can and then throwing it in the water. I want to make sure that mast is sealed.

(I'm new to HobieCats... so bear with me):
1. When it comes to finding areas to seal... what should I be looking for? (What are the problem areas or signs thereof?)
2. What should I use to seal it?
3. Should the mast (alone) float if sealed well?

1. The masthead, all rivets and the joint if you have a comp tip.
2. Sealing the masthead depends on the boat and mast, need more info. Sealing the rivets should ideally be done by replacing the rivet and putting a rivet sleeve with a closed end to seal the hole. Alternatively you can smear silicone on the rivet head, but will require periodic check
3. Yes.

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

My Hobie-Guru/Dealer told me that there is a sealing "plug" at either end of the mast. These are coated or dipped in sealer at assembly.

On a reasonalby well-sealed mast there can sometimes be a noticeable release of pressure, or sometimes even a bit of water will spurt out as soon as you break the seal by drilling-out a rivet etc..

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'97 Hobie 16.

Skype: rob_arnolda