I recently bought a 1984 oday 26 with the typical rot problem at the bulkeads (chainplates). I've reviewed the archives and have found a wealth of info to handle this repair. Thanks to all you guys and gals that build up a newbies courage to tackle such a repair. My question here is in regard to the mast support system on the oday 26. Mine appears not to have a compression post beneath the mast (inside the cabin). The port bulkead ends just behind the tabernacle thru bolts and is "capped" with a 1x2 "post" (I'm guessing the dim's, have not measured it) that is Bot directly beneath the mast location. Am I missing something here? 1. What carries the vertical load of the mast? Cabin top-deck fiberglass? Doesn't seem logical. 2. If I install a compression post, tied to the port bulkhead and resting on the veeberth floor (above the keel) is there enough support there to carry the load or do I risk blowing out the floor? 3. The tabernacle appears to be slanted forward, not level. I assume some rot damage to the core material caused this...What exactly is the core material? Plywood, or balsa. I'd like to know what to expect befor I start cutting thru the interior headline/deck wall/ceiling. After reading the archives on this topic i hesitate to even bring the subject up again but I want to be sure to make the repair as strong or stronger than original. Any of you that documented your repairs to the bulkhead/mast support with photos? an on line "diary" with progrssive pics would be very helpful in relieving the stress/anxiety I have. Thanks to all. I love the insight this forum provides.! Mark