Compression Post - No Pun Intended

[Bob Gravenstine]

Last year I had a small leak around the compression post on my H26. This was not the first time. I thought I fixed the leak a few years ago but it has returned.I have pulled the post and have begun to clean up the polysulfide used to seal the area around the post.What is the best way to remove all the old sealant and how should I correct what seems to be a very uneven bore for the post?Also, how should I smooth the bore in the deck where the post enters? I have considered cutting back the core material and filling with epoxy. Then I have the problem of returning the bore to the proper size to accept the post. It is almost impossible to redrill the opening without a solid center for the pilot drill.Any suggestions from someone who has done this kind of job is appreciated. Without a new direction, I will just be recaulking with the polysulfide and hope I do a better job this time.

 

[Guest]

Mast Step

I don't know the details on the 26 model. However, it sounds like you may need to remove and rebed the mast step. Simply stopping the leak from the inside does not resolve the problem, and may make it worse as water trapped in the deck will rot the balsa core. I bought an old 25 and had to recore large sections of the deck as leaks were not fixed in a timely manner by the prior owner. Trust me, its not a fun job. While the mast step is off, it would probably be a good idea to remove any rotten balsa coring and inject epoxy into the voids. I imagin that you could do this with the compression post in place.

 

[Bob Gravenstine]

Mast step base is part of the post.

On the H26, the compression post is stainless steel and has a plate welded to the top end. The mast step is attached to this plate.I have caulked under this plate in the past but still had the small leak. The core seems to be in good condition and I see no water damage.I will be trying to remove as much of the sealant as possible to get to the root of the problem.Thanks for your response.Bob "Gravyboat"

 

[Dave Condon]

lleak

Bob, is your leak coming from topsides?Before pulling the entir compression post, there are two things to look at.Check to see if the retaining pin for the roller(centerbard line) is visible where slid into sheave. Recaulk there.Next clean out the old caulk near compression post where rolleer is and recaulk using your finger to force it down. 99.9% of the time this will take care of your problemCrazy Dave

 

[Bob Gravenstine]

Thanks for your input Dave.

By the time I read your response, I have the job done. I pulled the post out, cleaned away all the old sealant and rebedded everything. I feel sure I did a complete job. Time will tell. Thanks again for your help.