I have seen a bit of discussion in the forums about the compression post deterioration problems on the Hunter 34 and was wondering just how prevalent this is... could we get a show of hands? I'm contemplating purchase of a 1986 and it looks like there might be some bulging next to the post even though it looks fine on deck. Thanks.
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That is an indication
Brad: This is an indication of the problem. On our H'31 our first sign of the problem was the door to the head not closing properly. If you are serious about this purchase, you should demand that the seller have the compression post opened up to check for this damage. This is not difficult but I would think that the seller should do this and not the buyer. If it turns out that this needs to be fixed you are looking at about $2500-3500. If there is water infiltration into the cross-member too, it could go higher. Our required a new compression post which was replaced with a Stainless Steel post and then covered with teak. We also had to replace the bulkhead between the head and the salon area. This is something that CAN be done by an owner. I think if you look the the photo forum you will see a repair job that was done on a H'34.
Brad: This is an indication of the problem. On our H'31 our first sign of the problem was the door to the head not closing properly. If you are serious about this purchase, you should demand that the seller have the compression post opened up to check for this damage. This is not difficult but I would think that the seller should do this and not the buyer. If it turns out that this needs to be fixed you are looking at about $2500-3500. If there is water infiltration into the cross-member too, it could go higher. Our required a new compression post which was replaced with a Stainless Steel post and then covered with teak. We also had to replace the bulkhead between the head and the salon area. This is something that CAN be done by an owner. I think if you look the the photo forum you will see a repair job that was done on a H'34.
R
Ron Dague
No Compression Post Problem on My 1983 h34
After all of the talk about the compression post problem, I took the teak off of the compression post so that I could inspect it, top to bottom. That meant drilling out all of the teak plugs, and removing the screws. My original compression post is fine, no rot, no water leaks, no damage. I put the teak back and left it alone. However, I don't disagree that this is a potentially problem area. I think that it was not a serious problem on the early 1983 boats, such as mine. I have a large, black metal plate, upon which the mast is seated, on the cabin top. From my reading of other posts, this plate was discontinued in late 1983 or early 1984. I think that plate, offered some additional protection for the potential water seepage ad resultant damage, that does appear to be a chronic problem on the h34's. Or, maybe I was just born under the right stars! on.
After all of the talk about the compression post problem, I took the teak off of the compression post so that I could inspect it, top to bottom. That meant drilling out all of the teak plugs, and removing the screws. My original compression post is fine, no rot, no water leaks, no damage. I put the teak back and left it alone. However, I don't disagree that this is a potentially problem area. I think that it was not a serious problem on the early 1983 boats, such as mine. I have a large, black metal plate, upon which the mast is seated, on the cabin top. From my reading of other posts, this plate was discontinued in late 1983 or early 1984. I think that plate, offered some additional protection for the potential water seepage ad resultant damage, that does appear to be a chronic problem on the h34's. Or, maybe I was just born under the right stars! on.
D
Don
Ditto to Steve's message
Have a '84 31' that had the same problem. When I bought the boat the surveyor (who was very familiar with Hunters) immediately pulled the compression post cover right off. The post had seriously deteriorated. I bought the boat anyway and replaced the post with a steel post like Steve did. It's not hard (granted my father did most of the work) but doable. This is a very prevelant problem due to a stupid engineering mistake. Under the mast the hole for wires has a short piece of PVC pipe. Once the silicon deteriorated (it eventually will) water just pours in. Insist that the cover on the post be removed before you buy.
Have a '84 31' that had the same problem. When I bought the boat the surveyor (who was very familiar with Hunters) immediately pulled the compression post cover right off. The post had seriously deteriorated. I bought the boat anyway and replaced the post with a steel post like Steve did. It's not hard (granted my father did most of the work) but doable. This is a very prevelant problem due to a stupid engineering mistake. Under the mast the hole for wires has a short piece of PVC pipe. Once the silicon deteriorated (it eventually will) water just pours in. Insist that the cover on the post be removed before you buy.
C
Clyde Lichtenwalner
Not yet
I also have an early H-34 with the larger deck mast step. No leaks, no sign of major compresson anywhere. Will be inspecting closely next winter when the mast comes down for standing rig inspection and other service.
I also have an early H-34 with the larger deck mast step. No leaks, no sign of major compresson anywhere. Will be inspecting closely next winter when the mast comes down for standing rig inspection and other service.
D
David
Compression Post Problems
Compression post problems persist at least through the 1988 H33.5 models. My compression post rotted after a leak occurred beneath the mast at the wiring race entry thru the deck. The entire wooden post deteriorated, the teak covering discolored, and the teak and holly sole beneath the post deteriorated. Thankfully the upper compression plate and lower compression plate were OK. I replaced the wooden post with an aluminum fabricated post and wrapped it in teak. I don't think the problem was eliminated until Hunter replaced the wooden posts with stainless steel posts. I don't know if the leaking potential beneath the mast has been addressed.
Compression post problems persist at least through the 1988 H33.5 models. My compression post rotted after a leak occurred beneath the mast at the wiring race entry thru the deck. The entire wooden post deteriorated, the teak covering discolored, and the teak and holly sole beneath the post deteriorated. Thankfully the upper compression plate and lower compression plate were OK. I replaced the wooden post with an aluminum fabricated post and wrapped it in teak. I don't think the problem was eliminated until Hunter replaced the wooden posts with stainless steel posts. I don't know if the leaking potential beneath the mast has been addressed.
S
Stephen Ostrander
knock on teak
Before I bought my 1988 33.5, I removed the teak trim and inspected the post. No problem yet, but I still took the following steps to prevent it: 1) drill a 1/4" hole in the side of the mast base plate to allow drainage 2) attach a plastic hose to the wiring conduit to raise the level so water can't pour in 3) caulk the hell out of any place that looks like it could leak
Before I bought my 1988 33.5, I removed the teak trim and inspected the post. No problem yet, but I still took the following steps to prevent it: 1) drill a 1/4" hole in the side of the mast base plate to allow drainage 2) attach a plastic hose to the wiring conduit to raise the level so water can't pour in 3) caulk the hell out of any place that looks like it could leak
S
scott sale
No failure or sign therof
I own 86 H34 and I seem to have a metal plate that supports the mast. No worries yet!
I own 86 H34 and I seem to have a metal plate that supports the mast. No worries yet!
WARNING!
Just because you have not seen signs of the structural rot does not mean that it is not there. For any of you sailors in the Northern Climes, do like Stephen O did. Extend or replace the tube and caulk the hell of of the area. If there is enough wire make sure that you make a loop in the wires so they go below the top of the tube. Also put some caulking in the tube too. The rot can be in the structural cross member or the compression post itself. Some owners have also experienced problems water infiltration into the deck area too.
Just because you have not seen signs of the structural rot does not mean that it is not there. For any of you sailors in the Northern Climes, do like Stephen O did. Extend or replace the tube and caulk the hell of of the area. If there is enough wire make sure that you make a loop in the wires so they go below the top of the tube. Also put some caulking in the tube too. The rot can be in the structural cross member or the compression post itself. Some owners have also experienced problems water infiltration into the deck area too.
J
jim oursler
D
Dale Wilson
none here
I have a beautiful 1984, H34 that I've sailed for 3 yrs at Lake Perry. No sign of any compression post problems. Apparently while this something to be concerned about, it didn't happen to every 34.
I have a beautiful 1984, H34 that I've sailed for 3 yrs at Lake Perry. No sign of any compression post problems. Apparently while this something to be concerned about, it didn't happen to every 34.
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