Mast Boots

[Tom Wood]

We are reconditioning our Sitka spruce mast, and we need to find information about a mast boot.  Instead of plastic, we'd prefer using a more traditional method with "fabric" and paint, which we have seen on many boats with wooden masts.  Can you assist in this process? 

Tom Wood responds:

Mast boots and covers are better attacked as two separate items.  A mast boot for a rectangular Sitka spruce spar is a disappearing art.  The traditional method was to have the mast wedges cut so precisely from a softwood that a little caulking would fill the gaps and keep the deck opening watertight.  I have seen everything from custom-formed rubber systems to black plastic lawn garbage bags and duct tape used to keep this hole dry—all with ostensibly good results.

It's the dressing over the waterproofing that needs to look good.  Certainly any marine canvas maker can create a pattern and sew a boot cover out of acrylic fabric to match your sail cover or other canvas work.  With a little work and a good sewing machine, you can probably do it yourself.  But remember, this decorative cover is not what keeps the water out—it only beautifies the ugly waterproofing underneath. 

Cheers,
Tom Wood