Mast Step drainage

madmike · **Joined:** 06 Sep 2020 10:08 **Posts:** 111

So why isn't there a drain hole somewhere in the step inside the mast's diameter? I'm thinking of drilling a hole through the step just forward of the flange on the centerboard pennant pipe. We get a bunch of rainwater (sometimes several inches) in the mast. I recently drilled a small hole through the port side of the mast, as close to the bottom as possible. That lets the water drain out onto the step where it collects in the slots in the aluminum step and soaks the wood floor. You can see in the photo that wood on the starboard side has already rotted away.

Am I wrong that a simple hole through the step would let any water drain down into the bilge without touching any wood?

Velera · **Joined:** 29 Dec 2006 09:38 **Posts:** 656

Mine has one. But my Tartan is a deep fin keel version and the hole is where your pendant goes through the step. I agree you could drill one and I cannot imagine it is going to weaken anything.

madmike · **Joined:** 06 Sep 2020 10:08 **Posts:** 111

Thanks, Velera. I drilled a 3/8 hole just in front of the centerboard pennant pipe.

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Mast Step drainage

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