Compression Post to Cabin Ceiling cracks

[Bob Pullen HC-33 1981]

If you check out the link (included), you will see the issue I am currently considering addressing when I haul out for 8 months, next. I am in Mexico, and will be hauling out to get back to some business concerns, planning on returning in Nov. These cracks already existed at the compression post to coach ceiling/headliner joint, and apparently the previous owner had attempted to address them (see the reddish filler). However they have not changed in any substantial way in the last 18months we have owned and sailed Seanorita. There is a slight 1/8" dip in the starboard side of the fwd edge of the seam. However, the area all around it sounds very hard and solid. We had noticed some evidence of minor coach healiner/ceiling sagging in a couple spots, before we bought the boat. A lot of these have disappeared when we added the new traveller and assorted coach deck hardware, and their associated backing plates below. Had anyone had a similar issue, or addressed headliner detachement? Should I drill a bunch of holes, dry out any wet spots if found, then inject epoxy and prop up from below with jacks?Any suggestions will be sincerely appreciated as always.Many thanksBob Pullenpullenbob@yahoo.com

 

[David in Sandusky]

rebuild the mast step?

These are the classic symptoms of wet rot in the wood layer of the cabin roof sandwich under the mast step.The best repair is to take down the mast, and take off the deck's top layer under the step. This exposes the rotted wood under the step. Remove all the rotted wood, reaching back under the top layer of fiberglass as necessary. Then bebuild the mast step with material that are not susceptable to rot. We used aluminum. Then remount or rebuild the step structure, and finish the repair.I doubt that the drill and inject technique will give you the sure strength you need.DavidLady Lillie

 

[Bob Pullen HC-33 1981]

Compression Post / Fiberglass Headliner Repair on an H33 Cherubini

Thanks for the reply.I'm trying to avoid pulling the mast, if at all possible, for another year or so.I was hoping the sag was due to the fiberglass headliner delam., and so I could try to poke around from above to see if there was any wet core, then drill out whenever I did find any, fill, and put some 2x4's with a jack under them to press the headliner up into the goop.Has anyone heard of another type of epoxy or filler which is made for this purpose (filling voids)?Once again many thanks for all the helpful advice.If it ends up that pulling the mast is the only way to go (especially if 7+ months on the hard show any increase in the sagging or cracks), then I guess we'll just have to bite the bullet and get it done this year.Thanks again and great sailing to all those reading this.CheersBobpullenbob@yahoo.com

 

[Greg2230]

Bob, Howdy from FL!!!

Still in Mexico! That's great! Hope all is well. I haven't heard from you in months.Those cracks around the compression post don't look too bad, especially if you noticed no progression. Maybe drill a few holes like you said just to see what's going on up there and inject it with an epoxy/high density filler slurry. The only way to know for sure it's good, like David said, is rebuild the step.Anyway, I figure you'd like to know, since making me blow the dust of those old sailboat parts in my garage, you've rekindeled my thoughts of sailing and last Fall I started looking for a boat. This February I bought a '91 Com-Pac 23. A great boat and we've been out one or two times a week since!Also, I cleaned out my truck and came across your needle nose vise-grips. Doh...Sorry about that! I sure hope that wasn't the one tool you needed to fix the motor before entering Cuba under sail Keep in touch!

 

[Bob Pullen HC-33 1981]

Hi Greg

Hey GregGreat hearing from you. I replied to your gmail email addr.Hope all is going well for you! Remember, there's an open bunk on Seanorita with your name on it anytime you're ready for some warm water sailing, diving, fishing, etc.The cuban cigars aren't too bad either.All the best.Bob