Mast step replacement

[Ken n Rox]

Maybe. My 1984 Montgomery 15 did not show any signs of deck damage when I sold her in 2015. She was 31 years old then. Just guessing the pictures show what happens when a deck gets wet and the water intrusion gets inside the boat.

Sure this is conjecture. It is why one would spend some time inspecting the compression post to rule out damage or a weakness.

Is it safer to install some bracing supported by a bottle neck jack when removing the compression post?

 

[jssailem]

I would use bracing that spans the area of weakness. The deck area uses the plywood to support the deck with a bit of tension as the plywood shapes to the convex form of the deck. The compression post maintains that shape when installed against the underside of the deck and inline with the mast. When the mast is raised the downward forces of the mast transfer that force to/through the deck to the compression post and downward to the keel and hull.

You want to release the pressure on the compression post. You brace and lift should avoid point pressure. Spreading the upward pressure while maintaining that convex basic shape is ideal. Note you are releasing the pressure on the post enough to get the post out. Not jacking the deck up like a car.

Take it slow and smooth. Once you can move the post your golden.