I have read all the archives on repairing water damage in these areas. I currently have unstepped my mast and have removed the compression post and the bulkhead. I do have water damage and will replace the post. My question is about the crossmember. I see from the archives that some owners are not concerned about the filler wood in the crossmember and others are very concerned and have cut out that section and replaced the wood core. Is cutting into the crossmember going to weaken the crossmember (even after it is repaired) and cause more problems down the road?