The wooden block that sets in bilge between top of keel and bottom of bulkhead post has rotted away. I am seeking input on replacing this on my Oday 27.
Mast compression block
- Thread starter tigerjohn10
- Start date
Our friends Catalina 30 had the same problem and while we were out racing on the fourth of July in pretty high winds, the shroud broke and the cabin top literally cracked from port to starboard...we got the sails down very quickly and limped back to shore....the culprit was the block of wood in the bilge which was saturated by water....I would say fix asap, certainly before sailing again....in any wind... Our friends ended up supporting the cabin top with a steel plate as well as replacing the wood block.
I made a similar repair on my Hunter 25.5. The compression post was rotten at the base and had to be replaced. So, I bought a new post at a woodworking shop that sold hardwoods. I got mine in Jatoba (brazillian cherry). Its just as durable as teak at half the cost. Only $125.00 for a 5 ft long 2 x 4. Anyway, loosen the shrouds, use a car jack and a 2 x 4 to support and slightly raise the roof under the mast. Pull out the old and in with the new. Retighten shrouds. I recommend using a hardwood like jatoba for your block as it will last much longer.
Why some builders used WOOD as a structural material in a fiberglass boat is a wonder to me. Using in the bilge or sump? I'm speechless. If you can, use starboard to replace any part that can get wet. Because it will. Again.
http://www.tapplastics.com/product/plastics/cut_to_size_plastic/king_starboard/526
http://www.tapplastics.com/product/plastics/cut_to_size_plastic/king_starboard/526