C30 mast compression block repair

[Roland Forsman]

I am purchasing a 1985 C30 tall rig, shoal draft. The compression block under that mast compression post is completely deteriorated by dry rot. No visible damage to deck under mast or area above or around compression block. I have seen Catalina's repair drawing describing how to install a new hardwood compression block. Has anybody completed this repair and can advise how difficult it is. It looks somewhat difficult to get the correct shape of the block and install it without cutting away the fiberglass on top of it.What do you think about an alternative to eliminate this hardwood block all together, and pour epoxy in its place. The hardened epoxy should be at least as strong as the wood block and would be immune to future moisture and rot. To do this you would have to install a cardboard form in front of and behind the block and also put in pvc pipes for the wires from the mast and the shower drain, but this should be much easier than installing a new wood block. Has anybody tried this?Do you see any reasons why this would not be a good solution?

 

[Mark]

Compression Block

Roland,I have a 1988 C30. Do you know if there is an on-line source for the repair drawing of the C30 compression block?

 

[Roland Forsman]

Compression Block Repair

Hi Mark,I found at the link below, together with a lot of other useful info on the C30.Roland

 

[Hayden Watson]

heat buildup

One problem with pouring a solid epoxy compression block is that when epoxy cures it creates heat. The thicker the mass of epoxy the more heat. If you pour the block all at once you can cause problems to the surrounding laminate. A better solution would be to make the block out of a solid high density plastic thick can be bonded into the bilge.Hayden WatsonPapillon C30 tr/bs Spokane, WA

 

[John]

Compression Block

I talked to catalina they like the hard wood block. It dosent make sence to me to soak apeace of wood in the bilge.They told me my bilge should have no more then 1/2 " of water ,but I cant keep it that dry. I cut the old block outof the bilge ,with a chisel and dremal,ground out all the junk ,put a plastic sheet on the bilge floor and made a pattern out of spray foam.Then at home I used pieces of old boat,ground on both sides and lamenated together.I made four piece packs ,then let them set,cut them with a knife to match my pattren while still tackey .Now I have two blocks one about 5" one about 21/2.The 21/2 block has a noch out of it for the mast lightpipe I plan to glue them in with west system epoxy.My mast light pipe was cut off and replaced with cut heater hose then taped together I made small glass shims to push in on top to get the floor back up. Jest need some warm weather now!

 

[Roland Forsman]

Compression Block - Questions

Thanks for your response John,I have a couple of questions on how you are doing the repair.1. Did you unstep the mast to offload the compression post, or did you leave it installed during the repair?2. You said you are using "pieces of old boat" to make the new block. Are these wood pieces or fiber glass or something else?3. You mention you now have 2 blocks. Will these blocks be on top of each other when you install them, or will they stand up, one in front of the other?4. did it work well to use spray foam to make the pattern?ThanksRoland

 

[A. J. Byllott]

C30 compression block

If you're determined to used a poured epoxy solid block, one way to avoid the heat buildup in the coring process would be to do the pour in stages. If, for example you mixed, poured, and let cure a pint of resin at a time you would achieve the desired result with no problems attributable to heat buildup.