John-
Not sure about the Blades but on my Taipan (1997 model) I actually have an internal jib halyard so have a really nice, unsealable "hole" in the mast right below the hounds and another about a 20" up from the mast base. Apparently all the (old anyway?) Taipans just have the "top" of the mast sealed. There is a foam "plug" at the top and another foam "plug" that is just above the hounds- so the very top section of the mast is sealed- where there are no potential "leaks" anyway since no rivets in this section. The only time I turtled I was able to get the mast on it's side since the top was still sealed and the water could run out the "hole" at my jib halyard before I righted the boat the rest of the way. Might want to think about that option.

Kirt


Kirt Simmons
Taipan, Flyer