Hunter 33.5 - Mast Post Replacement

[Glenn8732]

I have begun the mast post replacement project. My H33.5 has a hard wood mast post. 3" x 3.5" covered with Teak trim. The bottom of the mast post is completely rotted through. It appears that the moisture came from the shower, or the mast step above and didn't have good drainage. The teak trim was the only wood holding up the mast step. See pictures. I have removed the post and the short wall adjacent to the post. I plan to replace with a galvanized steel HSS tube 3" x 3" x 3/16", that I will fit into the existed teak trim, after I remove the hard wood with a dado blade on my table saw.

Have any others completed this task?

I have calculated the wood post strength at approximately 8000 lbs and the steel post at about 40,000 lbs. Should be strong enough.

 

[Steve Dion]

Similar issue on a '85 H'31. We had a S.S. post made and covered it with teak. I realize that galvanized is cheaper, but you really don't want to ever do this again?

 

[Ed Schenck]

Steve is right. A piece of stainless from the salvage yard shouldn't set you back too much. I just sold one, a radar mast that I made myself that turned out too heavy.

We see that problem here on HOW from time to time. Usually coupled with a rotted base. But it looks like your post sits on the fiberglass. What is underneath that?

I know there are one or two of these projects in the "Owner Mods" forum. I'll see if I can find one and post the link here.

Here's one:
http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/index.php?option=com_kb&Itemid=267&cat_id=25&aid=7376&page=article&mn=31_83-87 .
And related: http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/index.php?option=com_kb&Itemid=267&cat_id=28&aid=7286&page=article&mn=33_77-83 mast base repair
http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/index.php?option=com_kb&Itemid=267&cat_id=28&aid=6757&page=article&mn=33_77-83 mast wiring fix

 

[wufibugs]

According to the Hunter rep, they are have been using aluminum for the last 15 years or so.
Richard

 

[Glenn8732]

The fibreglass base that the post sits on is solid to the keel. I hadn't thought about stainless or aluminum. Corrosion resistance for aluminum, stainless, and hot dipped galvanized steel are all well beyond the useful life of the boat. If it was not covered in teak, I would choose stainless first. For me it will depend what I can find in the scrap yard.

 

[gregory18107]

Hi Glenn8732 and All,
We have minor bulkhead movement
The compression post has been replaced
BUT we have visible buckling in the fiberglass below the compression post and don't know if this is serious or not.
What material is between the compression post and the keel?
When you say it is "SOLID" what does that mean?
We have a Hunter 33.5 1989.
Photo of issue is here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8856072@N07/4770420716/sizes/l/in/set-72157624440394144/
Not sure what to do.
Thanks!!!!