Mast Compression

[Elliott Manders]

I have a 1986 H34 and this year I noticed a flattening of the deck near the mast step. The beam that runs between the step and the compression post also seems to have sagged. Both sets of shrouds are almost at the bottom of their adjustment. I think its safe to say that my mast has compressed the deck somewhat. Although there are no cosmetic problems like cracking, I'm wondering if Hunter has addressed this problem. Will the problem get worse and Is there anything I can do short of spending a fortune to correct the situation. By the way, I don't overtighten the rigging. I'm basically a weekend sailor and don't race the boat.Elliott

 

[John]

Design flaw

There is a weakness in the design of the H34 and H31 that can lead to rot in the inner compression post, or the support beam above it. If your mast step, or the wiring tube through deck within the mast step is not sealed, the rot process begins. Be sure to fix it early if it is what it sounds like, it just gets worse. Check out a pictorial "how-to" in the old forums.

 

[Bob Rutland]

Ditto

Check the compression post ASAP. It's easy. Just pull the teak trim that covers the compression post (look for teak plugs that cover the screws). Our 84 H31 had the same simptoms as your H34. When I removed the trim I found the compression post was rotton. I removed what was left of the old post and replaced it with a trimmed down pressure treated 4x4. So far so good !Good luck, BobS/V Lady Di II