1978 Hunter 30 Compression Post MAST SAG

[steve rainey]

I have a small sag problem at the base of the mast. Probably the head liner above the compression post? I'm taking it all apart, replacing the iron I-Beam that the pressure post sets on as it is rusting away. Probably going to reuse the fir 4x6 pressure post again if it isn't showing any signs of rot. Once the mast is down if I see problems with the deck core under the mast then I plan to cut around the top deck and cut out the bad wood and repalce it with something more substancial, maybe pressure treated fir? Then fill as much of the area as I can with resin and glass and place the cut out deck piece back in place. Any words of wisdow or warnings? I don't see any other way to go on this. How does the mast attach to the mast step on top of the pressure post. Does anyone have a better idea or improvement on this? the mast on this thing goes right to the deck. I've seen some nice mounts on other boats. Can I improve this at all?Thanks

 

[David Foster]

Archives, h27 experience

The cabin roof sandwich in our '77 h27 from the top was:1. Aluminum mast step.2. Fiberglass on top of the plywood step pad3. Plywood Step Pad4. Deck top fiberglass layer5. End cut balsa deck stiffener layer6. Bottom fiberglass layer7. Plastic cabin roof liner - not attached to layer 6.8. Teak compression post (actually two pieces of teak at right angles.A prior owner had replaced layers 1 and 2.Rotting of the balsa layer 5 forced us into a complete rebuild. We removed layers 1-5, and worked back into the balso layer until there was clean wood all around.Then we rebuilt the step, substituting epoxy and an aluminum plate for the balsa layer under the step. Drillied, filleded with epoxy, and redrilled the hole for the plastic pipe that passes the electrical and antenna cables through the roof.Finished it all wit a new coat of non-skid on the whole cabin roof. (We combined the work with a new forward hatch.).Looks great. No leaks. I think the step may last even longer than the 20 years the first one lasted.Check the archives, as there are a number of discussions of this repair, and your compression post is different than the h27.DavidLady Lillie

 

[Debra B]

Epoxy saturation not pressure treated

I wouldn't want anything wit arsenic around an enclosed space.My mast step (a keel-stepped mast) had to be replaced. They used StarBoard, as it has good compression characteristics.