Compression Post Leaks

[Mike Turner]

I recently purchased an '81 Catalina 30. The surveyor noted deck compression at the mast and minor softness in the block in the bilge that the compression post rides on. I've gotten good advice from Catalina on the deck compression fix and from various forums on the block (treat with penetrating epoxy). But with this week's heavy rains in So. California I've also noted that there is some water entering the interior of the compression post -- there is an exit from the post in the head with a wire coming out and heading aft; I have to check but think it's the coax for the masthead-mounted VHF antenna. It also seems the very base of the bilge block is very soft, much more so than one would think reading the survey report.Anyway, I'd like any feedback from anyone who's faced two problems: water entering the compression post, and softness of the bilge block under the compression post. In particular I'd like to know if the compression post rests on the cabin deck/hull liner, or is there an opening below it so it rests on directly on the bilge block? That'll make a difference in whether water is directly reaching the top of the bilge block from above. Any suggestions re: drilling drain holes in mast at deck level to facilitate draining on deck vs. into the post? Drilling holes at base of compression post to facilitate drainage? Refurbishment/replacement of the bilge block -- what's involved? For sure I'll talk to the factory again but would welcome some first hand accounts.Mike Turner/MTurner318@aol.comS/V "Amity"

 

[d rubin]

mast step repair?

mike- do you have more details for the deck repair with penetrating epoxy- do you have to open it up or just drill in?

 

[Mike Turner]

Deck Repair

The Catalina factory recommended repair is as follows:1. Remove mast and step from deck.2. Use a short tool to hook inside the lag bolt holes in the deck that the step lagged into, and pull up the compressed deck.3. Inject epoxy resin into the holes to fill the air cavity. Check inside the cabin when filling to make sure the epoxy isn't running down through the deck and coming out through any light fixtures -- if it is, remove light fixtures and tape over the holes; drill out the hardened epoxy to replace light fixtures.4. When epoxy hardens, re-drill lag holes and replace step and mast.Contact Catalina -- they have a couple of good diagrams they'll fax you showing this.I think this assumes that the plywood stiffeners in the deck under the mast aren't soaked or rotted -- I've read some accounts of same with the need to repair them.If you want information on expoxies, particularly ones to use on rotted wood, go to www.rotdoctor.com -- recommended to me by forums on Wooden Boat.Mike TurnerS/V "Amity"