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Here’s the bracket on my last boat, which was built in 1986, hull number 25. One of the previous owners had the top hat retrofitted so it had a channel in it for the bolt, but for some reason they never actually fitted a bolt (nor drilled the holes in the mast for it).

I'm of the mind that the small hat top fitting at the keel and the wooden wedges on deck aren't the best way to hold this mast in place, and I'd like to be much more confident that my mast will stay in place during heavy weather. I wonder if anyone has come up with alternatives or supplements, perh...

I'd say go with a new Marelon seacock. Groco makes great stuff, but it's nice not having to worry about bonding/electrolysis for something so critical. I wouldn't try rebuilding the seacock. It may be totally fine, but it also may be totally beyond fixing, and you won't know until you launch. I have...

Ask Paul Dennis. He definitely knows.

Buck Algonquin

What kind of boat is this? And where was it built?

That looks like Spartite, but it's been cut off the mast. I believe it's meant to be left as a seamless ring around the mast.

Aloha!

I had Paul Dennis pour my Spartite, so I can't detail the process, unfortunately. I do know that release agent only goes on the partners, not the mast. It also requires the construction of a clay "dam" to form the bottom of the mold, and the clay is included with the kit.

It seems like you're talking about what's known as a "mast step," which is what the bottom of the mast stands on. However, they're not made of rubber. The rubber part would be the wedges, which go between the mast and the deck. This is maybe what you're looking for?: https://rigrite.com/Spars/SparPa...

Sounds like Spartite can make a pretty terrible mess if it's not applied properly! Sorry to hear about your problems with it, Geoff.

On my boat, it's been a complete success. No movement, no leaks, and no issues unstepping the mast. I honestly don't really think about it.