Mast base replacement for O'Day 25

[Armen Khachaturian]

The teak 2X4 support below the mast of my O'Day 25, inside the cabin, has a lot of rut at the base, where it sits in the bilge water. Has anyone replaced this piece? I could use some knowhow as to how it is supported below deck. Bulkhead & head door supports are easy. I am wondering what it is attached to below the bilge line and if it is inserted into a housing. How does it come out (and go back in). I'd appreciate any advice.

 

[bill R]

maybe this will be of some help

I do not know how one would go about replacing the mast support, but it appears to me that the original was glassed in when the boat was constructed. It is my assumption that it is held in place both by the fiberglass and compression by the standing rigging. I am very new to sailing, and I am sure someone with greater knowledge will have better advice. Were this my problem I would remove all of the remaining wood from the two by four support by what ever means would be the easiest. I would then try to glass in a new support and count on compression to help hold my handywork in place. My 25 seems to be all original in this respect so perhaps this picture will be of some help.bill