1989 33.5 (333 Interior) Issue: With a straight edge on the top side of the mast step. It is concaved 3/8" around the mast. It almost seems as if it is sagging... On the inside, the post is solid but the floor and the head bulkhead don't meet in spots. This is aft of the post and it has a gap of about a 1/2" and then narrows as it follows the dinette bench. There are no signs of water or stains, it almost seems as if the rigging was too tight, but it's not. Does any one have pictures to send me of their post both inside and out? Thanks, -R
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33.5 Compression Post
R- Did you remove the teak boards that cover the compression post? I think that is the only method of complete inspection. The post on my '88 33.5 was completely rotten. There were water stains on the teak covering the post and evidence of water accumulation in the bilge. There was a slight deck compression; however, we corrected it when we redesigned and installed a new post. I have read that the beam supporting the bottom of the post can also decompose as well as the deck plate inside the cabin that rests on the top of the post; those items should also be inspected for failure. We pulled the mast, fabricated an aluminum post, attached wooden studs or stringers to allow reinstallation of the teak covering. The inside was jacked upward to allow the post to fit tightly and it was attached. The teak boards that covered the post were refinished and reinstalled. Don't forget to reseal the wiring race where it runs thru the deck beneath the mast and also provide a "drip loop" at the bottom of the wiring harness inside the mast so that water does not have a "straight shot" to the wiring race thru the deck. You may also want to drill the deck plate that contains the bottom of the mast to facilitate drainage so that water doesn't accumulate inside the plate. Another good idea that I did not follow is to completely close the factory drilled wiring race hole directly under the mast and drill a hole thru the side of the mast thru which the wiring harness can be run. A new wiring race hole can be drilled through the deck outside the mast area. A combination of flexible hose and pvc fitting can then be used to route the wiring into the cabin. The idea is that if leakage starts to occur, it can be resealed without pulling the mast. And that is all I know about compression posts.
R- Did you remove the teak boards that cover the compression post? I think that is the only method of complete inspection. The post on my '88 33.5 was completely rotten. There were water stains on the teak covering the post and evidence of water accumulation in the bilge. There was a slight deck compression; however, we corrected it when we redesigned and installed a new post. I have read that the beam supporting the bottom of the post can also decompose as well as the deck plate inside the cabin that rests on the top of the post; those items should also be inspected for failure. We pulled the mast, fabricated an aluminum post, attached wooden studs or stringers to allow reinstallation of the teak covering. The inside was jacked upward to allow the post to fit tightly and it was attached. The teak boards that covered the post were refinished and reinstalled. Don't forget to reseal the wiring race where it runs thru the deck beneath the mast and also provide a "drip loop" at the bottom of the wiring harness inside the mast so that water does not have a "straight shot" to the wiring race thru the deck. You may also want to drill the deck plate that contains the bottom of the mast to facilitate drainage so that water doesn't accumulate inside the plate. Another good idea that I did not follow is to completely close the factory drilled wiring race hole directly under the mast and drill a hole thru the side of the mast thru which the wiring harness can be run. A new wiring race hole can be drilled through the deck outside the mast area. A combination of flexible hose and pvc fitting can then be used to route the wiring into the cabin. The idea is that if leakage starts to occur, it can be resealed without pulling the mast. And that is all I know about compression posts.
compression post
send me your email address I have pics when I replaced my compression post. superior.gibbs@verizon.net
send me your email address I have pics when I replaced my compression post. superior.gibbs@verizon.net
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