Hunter 34 Compresion Post

[Brent Lewis]

Looking at purchasing 85 Hunter 34 and am aware of compression post problems. This boat has slight dip at mast base on deck with no visible cracks above but has crack below on ceiling on bow side of post aprox 12" long. Current owner of two years says crack has not changed in length or width since he has owned boat. I am getting varying opinions as to the best course I should proceed with if I decide to purchase boat. Sail as is and don't worry about it. Or repair it and replace rigging at same time because it appears to be original but does not show any visible problems. I have abilities to do most of work other then fiberglass myself. Plans for boat are that it will be a liveaboard for a year sabatical with Gulf coast FL,Keys, Bahamas and possibly further south sailing.Realize not a great blue water boat but fits budget. And believe best bang for the buck. Waiting for final survey to come back and will negotiate price with owner but believe current selling price is at the lower end of market value. Would apreciate anyone with expierience and there opinions to reply.

 

[Michael O']

Compression Post Club

Welcome to the Hunter "Compression Post Club" with members who have conquered the problem scattered around the country.First, you have to determine if the crack is cosmetic or structural. Problem is-you have to do exploratory surgery to find out the extent of the problem.As soon as the yard makes that first incision, they will make a similar cut into your wallet.By checking the archives on this subject on the HOW web site, you will note lots and lots of discussion about the nature of this beast for Hunter 31 and 34 models. It seems Hunter used simple pine wood in the cross member beneath the mast collar. (they figured you'd never see it). As that pine gets compressed it starts to exert pressure on the fiberglass nearby, resulting in a bulge in the gel coat in the cabin. Eventually that bulge will crack. Some owners have found there was a void in the layup of that cross member, which further promoted a cracking of the gel coat.Others have found that water migrated down the opening of the mast collar and rotted that soft pine, and in some cases, rotted the compression post itself. (Hunter claims NOT to know about this "isolated" problem-insert laugh track here)You will spend anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 identifying and correcting this problem.My boat should be fixed this week.It could be cosmetic, but do you want to take the chance? What is the cost of your peace of mind?Join the "Club"!

 

[Joe Dickson]

The culprit...

In these instances appears to be where the mast electrical goes through the deck into the cabin, inside the base of the mast. The electrical continues down through the compression post and comes out at the base of the compression post. The seal at the deck begins to leak, and slowly over time the cross-member and the compression post wick up the water and begin to rot. This was corrected on later Hunter's by having the electrical exit the mast at it's base and then connect under a cover on the deck.Be sure and look at Alan's Hadad's post in the photo forum for a better idea about the potential extent of the problem. As Michael said this repair can be very expensive depending upon the extent of the damage and who you get to do it. JoeS/V Charis

 

[Robin]

In all fairness

My 85 had about the same glass sag under the mast that yours probably does. I just about gave myself ulcers worrying about it prior to purchasing. I finally decided to have a good surveyor examine it. He said it was normal settling and I purchased. I looked at that sag every time I stepped foot on the boat. Finally, when I had the mast down I decided to cut into the glass beam and examine it. The pine was in perfect condition. I went ahead and had an aluminum block made, cut out the middle of the beam (about 4x6 inches) under the mast and sealed the block in. Total cost was maybe 200 bucks. Now the repair is very solid and it has never settled anymore. I think the 34 is perfect for what you plan on doing with it, so I dont think you should make your whole decision based on the post problem. It is also much easier and cheaper to fix it before it becomes a real problem. Seems the real challenge is finding deep enough water for her in Ft. Myers. Good luck

 

[Barry]

Removed Mine TODAY - It was Fine

Have owned a 1983 h34 for 9 years now. Always worried about the wood post although it never exhibited a problems. Since my employer was nice enough to lay me off after 29 years of service (on my 49th birthday) I have time to fix it correctly. Had wiring issues in the mast so I had it pulled today for the first time. Removed the teak from the post and all looked good. Stainless steel post going in later this week along with a new Profurl and new wiring. I'll post pictures when I get time.Being retired sure keeps me busy!Barry