leak

[erwing]

my sailboat opens up around the mast foot while sailing and she does not recover when not sailing. There are no rot so I think it is more a matter of rigidity. I have been adviced to make a "steel cage" that connects the rest of the rig to the mast foot.
Is this a good advice?

[erwing]

hi Tony, the boat is 45 foot, mahogany /pine on ash stringers. It is a quite light construction (very modern in 1963) There are some steel frames around the mastfoot who recently have been replaced. She have floor timbers installed.I will take some pictures as fast as possible.

[Rosebud]

Is there a structural join in the backbone close to the maststep? Such as the stem to keel joint.
If there is the mast could be opening this joint with its downward pressure. You might be able to add new floors or bolts to strengthen the area in question. Good luck!

Jim and Kim