222 compression postq

[stevec22206]

Am looking at purchasing an 84 O'Day 222. Have seen a few posts on this subject.Observed hairline cracks around mast step and what appears to be a modification by the former owner. Two hex head bolts exposed on the cabin top, drilled threw and secured to the two "L" brackets on the bulkhead. Other posts reference a potential problem with this area talk about a stainless post or angled brace attached inside to the tabernacle bolts and then to the bulkhead. Where can I get more info on this fix?

 

[bruce cornell]

compression post

don't know the o'day 222, but the compression post, by definition, supports the mast and rests on the keel, in your case the bulkhead is used in place of the cp. you chould be able to make a cp for your boat to take strain off bulkhead and roof. a nice piece of 4x4 or two 2x4 glued/screwed together and placed where the cp should be and attached to bulkhead and tabernacle base plate.

 

[RobG]

I have a 222 with the brace

as described. This was a factory mod in response to feedback that the rigging tension could not be maintained due to the cabin roof flexing under stress. Try Rudy at D&R Marine to see if they still make them. It would be a simple custom job for a fabrication place.The two bolts are on mine also and appear to be original manufacture. As for problems they are not specific to this boat but to all. Core damage due to poor maintainance of chainplates and the mast step. Re-bed them before they leak and your all set.The 222 is a great well built boat. Don't let these issues stop you from buying as long as the deck core is OK.If my boat isn't buried by tonights blizzard I'll go down this weekend and take some pics. I have one now but it doesn't show the brace very well. If you want to see it e-mail me and I'll respond with the attached pic. I'm in the owners listings.

 

[stevec22206]

Good advise

I contacted Rudy this morning. He doesn't have the brace but, believes one could fabricate one easily. He hadn't heard of any boats with the bolts but wasn't surprised. I have since found pics of two different boats with the bolts. I know how the brace attaches to the tabernacle bolts but can you tell me where it attaches on the vertical post of the bulkhead. It appears to be about at a point level with where the "V" berth butts with the bulkhead. There didn't appear to be any structural weakness in the cabin roof as a result of moisture. No stains on the headliner or softness in the top when I stood on it. Stress cracks appear to age related or maybe early signs that this needed attention.