O'Day 30 Mast boot replacement

[silverbackmg]

I am looking at an O'Day 30. I am concerned about the boot at the mast. It is duck taped on inside and outside. How difficult is it to replace. The current owner has not taken on the challenge. Makes me unsure. Yall's thoughts please. Thanks, Ric

[WinterRiver]

The mast boot is a fairly easy project.

It was one of the first things I did when we got our boat, since the existing boot was lots of layers of leaky tapes. I used this: Universal Mast Boot It would have been a lot easier with another set of hands, but even so it didn't take long.

[deniseO30]

to do it right the mast should be pulled (taken out of the boat) I have a new boot for mine but don't know when we will do it right. In the meantime I have the self amalgamating tape wrapped around it. I've never seen a keel stepped mast that didn't leak a little as mine does. If you looking at the boat to buy and that is all what is bothering you, I strongly suggest you get the boat surveyed!

[silverbackmg]

Thanks for the website. Awsome. The A/C - heat units are $800 cheaper than what I was looking at. How cool is that? (no pun intended). I have been looking at different boats. I really like the O'Day. It has such a wide beam. It makes a world of difference below deck. I want a liveaboard. I am also looking at a simply beautiful O'Day 34, 1984 model. It is double the price of the 30'. The major difference is in the V-birth. I am looking for a good cruiser. Not a racing boat. From what I hear, the wide beam of the O'Day makes her difficult in a headwind. Also the 30 has the retractable keel(swing Keel) . The 34 has the shorter keel(shoal draft). The 34 is owned by a woman sailor and looks simply amazing. the 30 has been sold 5 times in the past 10years. WHY? is the question. Just looking for a little advise/input. Thanks, Ric

[DwayneSpeer]

It's very easy to make your own.

Go to a dive shop and buy some of the light weight rubberized nylon that wet suits are made of. Make a pattern from paper or other cloth and cut out what you need. Sew it up along the back side with a hand needle and waxed thread. Attach the top and bottom with large hose clamps and if you are really worried seal the top with silicone seal. The nylon will stretch over any irregularities you may have. You will want to cover it with a sunbrella cover made to fit also.