Mast compresion post? O'Day 22

[David Rainwaters]

Can anyone tell me whether my recently purchased O'Day 22 (made Dec 1980) is supposed to have a compression post under the mast step? I see no evidence that it has ever had one, and the mast load seems to be cantilevered back on to the bulkhead and its post on the port side, about six inches aft of the stepping plate.Outside of some very small surface cracking on the outside of the cabin top only (I mean very small, and absolutely none inside) there is no damage to anything in the area, no rotting, etc.I really want to get this thing in the water, and I would be grateful if someone could confirm or alleviate my fears of stepping the mast and immediately crushing my cabin.

 

[Bob McGee]

O'Day 22 compression post

You're right, David, the bulkhead serves as the compression post and it's offset by several inches. It serves the purpose. Have no fear of the mast crushing the cabin top. I have the same boat, but mine was built in May of 1981.

 

[David Rainwaters]

Bless you Bob

Thank you very much. I have been trying to find this out for a number of weeks now, with little success, and it's great to get the straight scoop from someone with the same model.Thanks for taking the time to reply.David.

 

[adr]

Quick Tip

Hopefully this isn't an issue but make sure that the mast step is very well bedded. I just had to cut off the top layer of glass and scoop out a large amount of goo that was once core. Again, hopefully you don't have to deal with this.

 

[David Rainwaters]

Thanks for the tip

I removed and resealed the step. The bolts had been leaking, but the core was not spongy. The only water seemed to be right at the bolts, and the material around seemed solid, as did the hole where the wiring goes through for the mast. The rest of it I just can't get to to inspect without cutting a bunch of material.I guess I am going a bit on faith here, but I really can't see what else to do. If it works, it works, and if something wicked this way comes, I guess I'll have plenty of room for inspection.