Compression post removal?

[Hydro Therapy]

My O240 has a table that slides on the compression post. I'm considering making a nice wooden table to replace the stock one. The problem is that the compression post would have to be removed in order to tackle the job. The compression post has bolts at the interior cabin top and at the keel within the floor. The bolts run horizontally through the compression post and sleeves at each end. The mast is currently off the boat so the compression post has minimal load.

Does anyone know if the post slides out once the bolts are removed? If so should it slide out easily?

I don't want to take on the job if the mast step needs to be removed in order to remove the compression post.

Thanks