Compression post AND head wall rotted

[Marty Seitzinger]

The compression post is now out of my 1984 Hunter 31. I am getting onr ready to be put in asap. The bigger problem is that the wall that the post butts up against (the head) is also rotted where the post was touching it. The head side of the wall is a formica type thing because there is a shower in there. Once I replace the post (I have to hurry, as it goes in Saturday and then the mast goes up same day unless I want some huge scheduling issues), I was thinking of replacing the head wall. For now, I am going to cut out the rotted wood of the head wall (about a 2" wide strip all the way from top to bottom), and deal with it later.Does anyone know if this is wood that is sold with formica on it, or if I have to glue it to the wood.Any suggestions would be appreciated.I may go out to the boat and get some pictures this afternoon.Thanks,Martyplease feel free to email me directly at junk@touchup.com

 

[John K Kudera]

Do it later

If you replace the compression post and the header, there should be no need to rush and finish the bulkhead, that is not structural. Take time to find a product, for the bulkhead. (BTW that stuff is not formica)Good luck!

 

[Steve Dion]

Teak ply with formica covering.

Marty:The bulkhead is just a piece of plywood. It is covered with Formica on the head side. There are a couple of things that you can do. One would be to remove the rotten part and splice in another piece. Then you could cover both sides. The head side could be covered with Formica and the salon side could be covered with veneer or formica.Once your compression post is replaced, I don't think you need to worry about the bulkhead. The only problem I see is trying to get a new piece in there with the compression post in place.When ours was done, they replaced the entire bulkhead and replaced the wood in the compression post with a stainless steel post. The post was then boxed with teak. The top part of the bulkhead was trimmed with teak. It all looks better than original now. We are just about $3000 poorer.

 

[Robert DeJong]

Compression post warning

Above the compression post embedded between the cabin top and ceiling is anoter block of wood. This wood is also subject to rotting. You should check this before completing repairs or you may have to do the install of the compression post twice.

 

[Greg]

One more item

When you step the mast, make sure the forward bulkhead (separating the V berth from the head) is positioned appropriately. Neither of the forward bulkheads are tabbed.Mine was not so the door to the head doesn't close well.Once the mast is stepped, it's too late.

 

[IslandJack]

Side topic that Greg brought up

Greg I was about to step a mast on an H27 that has a sticky door. I hadn't thought of checking that line up. If I'm lucky and straighten it all out I might get an easier sliding door. I'm happy just knowing its a possible issue.ThanksIslandjack