Hunter 34 compression post problems.

[petemoyer@hotmail.com]

I *think* I have a compression post problem on my 1987 Hunter 34, at least that is what the signs point to from what I have read on this blog. Anyone in the Annapolis area have any experience with this? Any yard recommendations? Dunno if I can tackle this myself.

First I need to get someone in to look at it and validate what I think is wrong.

**Edited to add pictures.**

Hopefully the pictures are clear enough. You can see the sagging above the compression post. One pic shows the fiberglass starting to crack. I believe it may be what Kloudie1 mentioned and the "wood in the fiberglass cross beam had rotted and allowed the beam to collapse from the compression post pressure". I don't think there is an easy way to diagnose the problem without digging into it, so I was hoping on recommendations on someone in the Annapolis, MD area that may have worked on a Hunter 34 or similar. Not too impressed with a couple of folks I have hired in the past to do work on the boat (not putting my engine mechanic in with that group - he is worth his weight in gold).

Appreciate any feedback or opinions.

Thanks,

Pete

 

[Scott]

remove trim

Remove the trim (aft) covering the compression post. You will easily see whether or not the CP is rotted.

 

[kloudie1]

H 34 compression post

Pete, my compression post was not visibly rotted. My problem was that the wood in the fiberglass cross beam had rotted and allowed the beam to collapse from the compression post pressure. The tell tale was a big dimple in the beam where the compression post was pressing into the cross beam. Pictures are: top of post looking aft. Next is post with forward trim removed (no visible rot in post) .. Note the concavity where the post engages the cross beam.. If you see any dimpling in that area, you have the compression post problem. Not a tough one to fix but is quite an undertaking. Good Luck

 

[pvtpotter]

Where / When did you purchase this boat? You will for sure have to remove the mast if damage or rot is found. Remove the trim piece as Scott mentioned. Once you remove that you will see what you are dealing with. Mind you, to remove it you will probably have to drill out the "bungs" to access the screws underneath.

 

[kloudie1]

The repair can be done from the bottom with the mast in place. I did mine that way.. Easier to do with the mast off because you can access the tops of the wires and the little PVC conduit pipe that the wires go through. Some folks have done the repair from the top with the mast off.. Your choice depending on how bad the wood has degraded.

 

[petemoyer@hotmail.com]

Will post some pics

Thanks to all. My problem is very similar to what Klaude1 (sorry if i misspelled that) posted. I will take some pics this week-end and post.

Bought the boat about 3 or 4 years ago from a gentleman over on the Maryland eastern shore near Cambridge.

More to come.

 

[Mike Culik]

I also have replaced the compression post on my H31 (little brother of the H34) with the mast in place. Ton’s of info and pictures here on the Hunters SBO site. Just do a search and sit back and read up on this well known (and documented) issue.

 

[petemoyer@hotmail.com]

Pete, my compression post was not visibly rotted. My problem was that the wood in the fiberglass cross beam had rotted and allowed the beam to collapse from the compression post pressure. The tell tale was a big dimple in the beam where the compression post was pressing into the cross beam. Pictures are: top of post looking aft. Next is post with forward trim removed (no visible rot in post) .. Note the concavity where the post engages the cross beam.. If you see any dimpling in that area, you have the compression post problem. Not a tough one to fix but is quite an undertaking. Good Luck

I took some pictures this week-end, but obviously had some operator error when sending them to myself to post, so I should be able to post tomorrow.
It looks much like what you show in your pics, except that the big dimple is in the main cabin. I thought that Hunter started using metal cross beams vice wood in later H34s (mine is a 1987), guess that is what I get for thinking. Will post pics soon.

 

[hummingbirdbassist]

To Pete or anyone here, I had a much worse compression issue than you have posted and I found Bernard in Annapolis , we barted some bottom paint for a vintage pocket watch I had and over time got to know him and his work and he fixed my compression post with a custom made piece!!!! Excellent workmanship!
443-454-3222 Bernard he is in Annapolis and sails there also

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

I took some pictures this week-end, but obviously had some operator error when sending them to myself to post, so I should be able to post tomorrow.
It looks much like what you show in your pics, except that the big dimple is in the main cabin. I thought that Hunter started using metal cross beams vice wood in later H34s (mine is a 1987), guess that is what I get for thinking. Will post pics soon.

Pete, here is what I found and how I fixed it permanently. If you can't do it yourself you're welcome to show this to anybody doing it for you. Good luck

 

[heart of gold]

This is what I did, http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/in...mid=267&cat_id=31&aid=7802&page=article&mn=34

 

[petemoyer@hotmail.com]

Thanks.

Thanks to all for taking time for the excellent feedback and pictures, and that .pdf is awesome!

Bernard should be looking at it this week with me and I will find out if he sees what I see and the next steps.

Pete

 

[hummingbirdbassist]

Re: Thanks.

Bernard,
Honest, great work he does!!!! I'm sure you will agree. I keep his number in my contacts. I feel like if Bernard can't fix it ,,,,,, I'll just sell my boat!
Keep us posted Pete

 

[Randy Miller]

Heart of Gold...I read your article and like how you repaired your compression post problem. I am having the same problem and need to fix it. Do you have more pictures of what you did and a measured drawing of the compression post you made? I am wondering how you supported the post at the bottom (pictures). Did you have any adjustment nut built in to make more adjustments later? You can respond to me here on this site or email at randy_miller@comcast.net or 916-799-1108.

 

[jbyogi45]

My name is John and I am a retired United States Marine living here in FL with my wife and we just became owners of a 1984 34 Hunter and we are having the same problem and need to fix it. Do you have more pictures of what you did and a measured drawing of the compression post you made? I am wondering how you supported the post at the bottom (pictures). Did you have any adjustment nut built in to make more adjustments later? You can respond to me here on this site or email at jbyogi45@gmail.com (813) 624-4153