"WaIIy" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 15 Jan 2005 14:47:58 GMT, "Jim," wrote:

BillP wrote:
When we bought the boat there were only a few wedges in place, not
enough
for proper support. I understand how the SparTite system works but is
there another system that would work? Say just filling the partner with
silicon, would this allow to much flexing? How firm is the SparTite
after
it sets?, does it allow some movement or does it harden as a solid
rubber?

Bill, http://www.billangiep2.blinkz.com/

One of the guys in my YC seals the mast opening with a piece of line
jammed into place (ater adjusting the stays to give him proper rake),
then coats it with silicone. Since we have to drop the mast every year
for haulout, it seems to work well for him

Which brings me to a question. I know next to nothing about sailboats
and I notice in a marina near me (Cleveland) that some of the sailboats
take down the mast for winter and some don't.

There seems to be no pattern to this as their are saiboats from 20 ft to
40ft +.

Is there a particular reason to take the mast down?

I suppose a marina might require this depending on the lifting equipment
they have and also the type of cradles that are commonly used. A lot of
yacht clubs do not have travel-lifts and consequently must use cranes to
remove member boats in areas where it freezes over. As pointed out, its
likely to be impossible to use a crane and sling while the mast is up.
In other cases the owner may want to take his mast down to inspect
rigging/electrical wiring or add equipment.
I never took my mast down while in Ontario as my marina had a travel-lift
and had no issues with this option.