Cape Dory Typhoon cabin roof/mast base question

[Bob Kessler]

I looked at a Cape Dory Typhoon last weekend. The owner had fabricated a hinged mast base that seems quite solid (if not a bit over-engineered). He told me it made stepping the mast much easier. He's a construction supervisor and fabricator with an extensive workshop. I'm wondering if I would need to do some repairs on the roof area that mast once rested on. Obviously, it looks like it's seen some damage. Would there be any hope of restoring it back closer to original specs and using standard mast base/tabernacle? The fabricated hinged mast base appears solid but it's kind of unsightly. The roof itself didn't appear to have any sagging nor did the deck and the boat overall was in good shape. . Thank you!

Looking up inside cabin:

Hinged mast base in down position:

Underneath mast base when hinged up:

 

[dlochner]

It would be helpful to see a photo of the cabin looking forward at the bulkhead beneath the mast. Deck stepped mast need to have a compression post beneath the mast or some sort of major structure to support the large loads generated by the mast and rigging. The image showing the inside cabin top looks like there is a recess for the compression post to fit into. If the compression post is missing, then walk away from the boat. Additionally the deck core may be wet due to the unsealed holes and cracks, another major repair.

 

[Bob Kessler]

I don’t have a cabin pic. No compression post but I was under the impression CD typhoons of this era didn’t have them. Plus, I was thinking I could also install one, if advisable

 

[PaulK]

Looks like the PO may have fabricated the steel plate and mast base because of the damage visible in your third photo. This might account for the over-engineering factor. He was trying to spread the load out as much as possible and prevent water from getting in. If it is too unsightly, look for a different one. Reinstalling the original setup will take a lot of work and will require finding the original gear. If the price is right, it seems that this setup does work.