Another question on the mast step/bilge block

[Chuck]

Can anyone tell me how to identify the problem of the rotting block of wood in the bilge beneath the mast support.If it is rotting, does this mean that the deck step will begin to crack/sink through the deck????PLEASE HELP -- A VERY CONCERNED '83 CAT 30 OWNER..Thx,-Chuck

 

[Joe]

Could be both

It is most likely the compression block in the bilge which is not to tough of a fix. There can also be deteriation of the wood under the mast step which depending on the degree of it can be a easy fix as well. To fix the area in the bilge yu must first completly remove all the bad wood and then replace it with a good hard wood encapsulated in Epoxy. Build the new post like a block puzzle filling the entire area where the bad wood was removed. To fix the deck you can pull up the fiberglass around the mast step and fill the void with epoxy. If the problem is realy bad you can rout out the deck around the mast step (about a foot square) remove the fiberglass repair the damaged area and then replace the routed out fiberglass piece. I have done both of these repairs and have had no problems since.