Bulkhead replacement
I went through all that a year ago. I replaced my rotted bulkheads with plywood and painted them with oil based white paint. True, the compression post isn't held in place by anything othere than the drop leaf table and the starboard bulkhead (as far as I can tell/remember). The hard part was to get to the screws where the table meets the post and also to re-install it. Re-installation of my new bulkhead (starboard) wasn't a big deal even though I had to make a pattern out of cardboard. Wasn't perfect, but I think it'll do. hunter will answer any questions if you call them. I have some photos on here of my project that may give you some tips. I haven't sailed it yet, so I hope my chainplates don't tear out!!!!!