Dreaded Compression Post Desease

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A

Asa Colson

Due to the posts on this forum I checked my compression post for rot. I found that my post was very rotted at the floor. The teak is glued to my post is this what everyone else experienced? There is a reinforced vinyl hose that my wires run through on their way to the deck. I assume that this hose does not create the desired loop above the deck because water appears to have been running down them. I know someone asked what everyone's opinion was about drilling an access hose near the base of the mast to see what was going on with the wires in the mast. No one ever answered whether they felt it would hurt the mast integrity. Are there any opinions about this? I would ask Isomat but they of course are out of business. My boat is in the water and the mast is stepped. I plan to place a supporting jacked post to the port of the compression post. Then pull out the compression post. I will then repair and replace the post. What is everyone's opinion of my plan? I don't know whether the cross member is rotted. How can I tell if it is? The fiberglass encapsulating it is not compressed as it shows in the forum pictures. Will I be able to tell when I pull the post? Thanks for any help. Ace
 
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Don

Two things

1. Isomast is now Charleston Spar in Charlotte, NC. Same basic company and, in my experience, very helpful. 2. If you read the archives on this issue you will see that I did my former 31' a few years ago. I'm just north of you at Galesville and will be glad to stop by and give you my 2 cents on the process. Email me offline if you like, dcdon@hotmail.com
 
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Barry

Compression Post Ideas

I considered your method to save a buck but was talked out of it. I want to rewire the mast anyway so it's coming down. Here's a few thoughts about your "shortcut". Loosen the rig tension before you start to decrease the post load. Right now the teak is holding some or all of the load since the inner post is rotted. Bs sure to install the temporary post before you pull the teak off. Once the post is removed maybe you could remove (likey destroy) the wiring tube that goes through the cross member beam. If the tube is gone you may get a peek at the condition of the wood inside the cross member. Perhaps you could drill a hole elsewhere in the cross member to help assess the condition of the wood inside. I avoid drilling large access holes while the mast is up there. If the wood is rotten inside the cross member I'd write the check and pull the mast. A moisture meter may also be helpful if available. (But not reliable) Naturally use a lot of epoxy or sealer on the new tube you install. Let us know what how it goes! Barry
 
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Michael O

Disease - Surgery

Ace: You may want to pose your questions about the H31 in the "Midsize" forum, since many sailors go right to that forum about their particular boat. I've received enlightening input and discussions about my compression post repair issue in that forum. In the meantime, take down the mast and do the job right!
 
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Joe Dickson

Do your homework... Shop around...

We recently joined the 'compression post blues' club. Thank you Hunter... Our 'problem child' however was the cross member. My advice if you attempt to do this yourself is to do your home work. Check Allan Hadad's post in the photo archives. It gives a very thorough look at this as a DIY project. If however you are not up to the task either because of skill, time constraints, or whatever, shop around. I was astounded at the range of pricing for this repair. In the end, because of time constraints in my case, we opted to have it done. In fact, the guy that did ours used Allan Hadad's post as a 'go-by' for the work he did on our boat. Like Allan we also addressed some electrical issues in the mast, fixed a small soft spot in the coring that was related to the leak, and replaced our halyards and some other lines. 'Tax, title and drive out' we paid about what Allan paid for his. Good luck...
 
A

Asa

Thanks

Thanks for the advice. I am going to try the repair myself. I think the cross member is still in good shape so the repair is not as extensive as Allens. If I get into it and the problem is greater than I thought I can always punt and call in an expert. Ace
 
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