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/

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

"BillP" wrote in message
lkaboutboats.com...
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/


Filling the are with silicon probably would provide a good job since
the silicon wouln't necessarily fill the entire area.

Spartite is great stuff. Yhere are two varieties. One is pretty firm, the
other is less so. I have the form one. It has been in place for 5 years
now with no leaks or problems

Doug
s/v CAllista

OOPS! I misstyped. What I mean't to say was:

"Filling the area with silicon probably would NOT provide a good job since
the silicon wouln't necessarily fill the entire area."

Actually, I doubt if sillicon would be stiff wough to provide proper support
anyway.

Sorry,
DOug

"Doug Dotson" dougdotson@NOSPAMcablespeedNOSPAMcom wrote in message
...
"BillP" wrote in message
lkaboutboats.com...
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/


Filling the are with silicon probably would provide a good job since
the silicon wouln't necessarily fill the entire area.

Spartite is great stuff. Yhere are two varieties. One is pretty firm, the
other is less so. I have the form one. It has been in place for 5 years
now with no leaks or problems

Doug
s/v CAllista

"BillP" wrote in message
lkaboutboats.com...
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/

Bill,
I used a system that I had seen on small racing keelboats - have a look at a
J-24.

I made a template of the deck opening and of the mast profile.

I put the mast in place and adjusted the rigging (but not too tight) so as
to position the mast with proper rake. I then measured just where the mast
was with respect to the deck opening.

I then made a plug for the mast opening by laminating some plywood - I
included a larger flange on the top so the finished unit would not fall
through. I then cut an opening in the plug for the mast (using bandsaw). I
made the plug and the mast opening slightly oversize so that the mast could
move a bit - no need to have it too tight. Then sawed the plug in half - Put
aft section in first - step mast then push in forward half.

Cost is nominal - just some plywood & glue plus a coat of varnish and mast
always goes back in same position.