could this be compression post damage?

[Robin]

The boat I am looking at has some tiny cracks to the trim at the top of the compression post. I can not see any sagging to the fiberglassed beam running port and starboard near the post. However, there is some sag just aft of the mast and post. Owner states that it has always been there since he purchased the boat. Could these indicate post damage? Is there any other way to detect damage other than removing the post trim? How is this trim secured (glued, screwed, nailed)?Thanks.

 

[Clarke Rudd]

I can identify

I have the same signs on my Hunter 30...I have examined the compression post and it shows no signs of damage. You can bet that there has been some "settleing" within in the boat. I have had no problems to date. My belief is that there is a compression block that has compressed under the load of the Mast and rigging....it does not seem to be structural.

 

[Craig]

my 34 post

On my post their are wood plugs and I believe there are screws within. I have not taken this apart. I would be careful with those symptoms. Why take a chance when there were 1200 of these boats built. Or hold back money for "post " inspection. Best. Craig That repair could be 3-5k.

 

[Allan Hadad]

Its Possible

The early signs of compression might be what you observe with the sag on the aft side of the post. The tiny cracks in the trim are probably just due to the normal loading of the post. In some cases, the post is affected, but in generally it is the overhead that sags down around the post. I saw that sag behind my post prior to the repair. There was a big blob of epoxy that squeezed out from between the overhead liner and the deck that eventually produced a bulge on the back side of the beam as everything settled.The trim around the post doesn't come off as far as I can tell. The only place you can observe the interior of the post is to remove the door to the head and pull the plugs and screws to that piece on the front side of the post. Then you can see the wire way and front edge of the post. That piece will also expose a bit more of the front edge of the beam. Other signs of compression are cracks in the little trim piece in front of the beam. Look for shifting of the bulkhead as evidenced by the caulking tearing out along the top edge. Also find out if the rigging is perpetually loose. See if there are any cracks in the fiberglass beam right adjacent to the bulkhead on the forward side. Check my posting in the Photo Forum to see if there is anything there to help you identify the tell tale signs. Good Luck.

 

[Clyde Lichtenwalner]

34 Beam Sag

Allan has some great pictures in the photo forum that tell the story of his repair. I have to say that after viewing his photos I have been watching my own carefully, but after 18 years of use (not heavy duty ocean cruising) I still think that what I see on my boat was there since new. I recall that one of the other new 34s delivered at the time mine was in 1983 had a problem with excessive beam sag. I think that all 34s may sag very slightly when loaded. Over the years, this wooden beam compression may get worse until a repair is required. Be careful and leave some money in the deal to make the repair if needed, or simply walk away. There are lots of fish in the sea.

 

[Jim Gorman]

Compression beam failure

My 1986 34 compression beam has failed twice - the first time, although the boat was out of warrantee the factory absorbed the full cost of replacement and glass repair, with yard bills of over $4,000 - When Hunter says it "goes all the way" it means it ! The problem is that the mast step leaks and wet runs down to the bottom of the beam which is a piece of long leaf yellow pine inside that pretty teak enclosure. It suffers dry rot and the bottom collapses, along with everything above it.The second time, I took the bull by the horns and had a high tensile, structural grade aluminum beam crafted at a local shop. It is in place now, at a yard cost (including the new beam) of under $1,500. I recommend this approach as the aluminum will outlast the boat.Good luck !