Compression Post

[JOHN POPP]

I have a 1975 Mariner and just found a crack under my compression post. The problem as i seit is i can think of three things that may have caused it. Now it seems to be just a "cosmetic" crack in the gel coat, more like the layer of gel coat being pealed back. The crack is aft aft of the post and fore on the port side of the post. There are no sings of a crack on the outside of the hull.Now there are four things i can think of that may have caused this.1: the riggging was lose and was sailed on a couple of times. (when i relised it should be tighter the work was done)2: the rig was tightend, when the boat was on the trailer, there is a roller right under the post (could i have gotten it to tight?)3: the center board knocking around when anchored? now we pull it up durring anchoring.4: walking on the cabin top when workign with sail cover or replcing halyards.Any thoughts would be great. thank you in advance.

 

[Wayne Randolph]

Just removed mine on my '76 to dry out contorted 1/2" or so plywood spacer. Was going to replace it, but it wasn't rotten and was perfect shape for space between post foot and hull liner shape. But to your issue. The only option I can think of that would crack the fiberglass liner is extraordinary downward pressure caused by tight rigging - BUT - I didn't think you could get Mariner rigging that tight - perhaps over time? My curved cabin top feels solid as a rock to me, but the mast step is a foam or plywood encapsulation I believe, and my get weak over time. I would not be over concerned about the crack - just glass it over and make sure support components are sound.