33.5 Compression Post
Steve, I had the compression post on my 1988 H33.5 replaced last year. The wiring harness entry hole beneath the mast became unsealed, allowing water to seep onto the post. The teak/mealamine covering the post became stained and the small irregular shaped piece of teak and holly sole delaminated. After pulling off the teak/ melamine board covering the compression post, I discovered that the entire wooden compression post had rotted and disintegrated. Thankfully, there was no serious problem to the deck, deck core, deck plate, or bottom plate. The yard fabricated an aluminum post and we reattached the teak/melamine covering. I had Hunter fabricate a new piece for the sole. We resealed the wiring race beneath the mast prior to restepping the mast. If you boat is exhibiting signs of compression post leakage, pull off the teak covering immediately. This is the only way, unfortunately, to adequately inspect the compression post. Obviously this was a very poor design.
