We purchased a 83 Hunter 34 approximately one year ago. The surveyor checked the the compression post and reported it to be fine. Prior to stepping the mast this spring, we had to access the wiring in the post. This is when we found rot at the bottom of the post. Also when the teak and trim were removed at the top, we found a slight indentation in the horizontal beam, similar to what others have shown. I drilled a sample of the horizontal beam and found it to be free of rot, but compressed. The boat was hauled this week and we plan to remove the mast within the next week, in order to replace the compression post. I have investigated the documented repairs on this site and have a couple of questions. Most repairs have a block on top of the manufactured post. How is this block attached to the existing wood on each side, in order to transmit the loads horizontally through the deck? Or, is this necessary? Or, is the wood completely removed?
Since we will have the mast down, should we also remove the mast base and re-seal it?
Since we will have the mast down, should we also remove the mast base and re-seal it?