Water leak in the shroud base

[Ailatan]

I have a water leak in the shroud base.
Had anyone experience this problem? I couldn't find any report in the forum.
What sealant should I use?

[tiger79]

Hmmm.... I think I'd want to double-check the extent of that corrosion.

[Yngmar]

That looks pretty bad. You need to remove the outer and also the inner part for a thorough inspection and possible replacement. And replace the bolts and nuts.

The outer part is easy to remove (you have to secure the rig with halyards and remove the shrouds, one side at a time - mast removal not necessary, just makes it easier). Then the inner part can slide down the rod. But to remove entirely, it's a lot more work.

For sealing ours I used butyl, because it's great with never leaking. But because butyl is messy, I then put a bevelled edge around with white MS polymer sealant, which protects the butyl from collecting dirt.

Don't leave this unattended. We met a German on a 38 Ocean where this exact corrosion has caused the shroud chainplate (or bolts) to fail and the mast to fall over the side. I re-checked ours after that and replaced the bolts, as one had a small crack in the head.

[Ailatan]

Thanks for your quick answer.
The rod looks very corroded. Does anyone know where l could find a new one?

[Yngmar]

I'd try a rigger who specializes in rod rigging (as found on some racing sailboats), as that's basically what this is.

[Ailatan]

Thanks I will.
What surprise me more is the amount of rust when everything is supposed to be AISI 316

[symphony2]

That is crevice corrosion which starts as pitting in the damp oxygen starved area where the rod goes through the deck. Once the protective surface is gone rust starts. A little bit of rust goes a long way visually. I expect when you get it out the actual 2wasting" of the rod will not be as much as you imagine looking at it now.

[Ailatan]

I hope so. I will bring more pictures if I manage to remove the bolts

[Ailatan]

Surprisingly, removing the nuts and bolts was easier than I expected.
I used some orthophosphoric acid and removed the rust.
Now I have to trim the mast and, although I left some marks on the thread of the studs to be able to reproduce the same trimming, I would like to measure the tension.
I know the Selden system but anyone knows where I can find a rig tension gauge for a 12 mm wire