this year, after stepping my mast (keel stepped) rather than slopping silicone in the mast partner/compression plate area i tried something different - butyl rubber tape (available at most RV stores and some auto parts stores). i had seen this technique posted in sailnet recently (by the same guy who posts the great boat project information on pbase.com - mainesail is his internet avatar i believe..)
apparently years ago boat manufacturers used this stuff extensively (probably vintage 60's-70's boats).
I used this because apparently it's easier to remove than silicone - time will tell if it holds back the rain - there was a rainy day a week or so ago - the headliner area around the mast was dry - so maybe it works - we'll see and i'll report back.
Rick
