Need to replace compression post - What material?

[Ernest Winslett]

I am doing some repairs to my 1977 O'day 25 and need to replace or repair the compression post. The bottom 4-5 inches of the post has rotted away due to the previous owner not keeping the bilge dry. My questions are: What material was the post made of, and what is the method of attachment? It seems to be screwed to the port bulkhead but doesn't seem to be attached to the cabin top liner. Additionaly, it appears to have been sitting in a relief in the bilge. Or was it glassed in? The material in the bilge it was sitting on does not appear to be fiberglass, sounds more like metal when I thump it. The dimensions of the post seem to be close to that of a common 2" X 4". Can anyone help me?

 

[CLIF]

just got done

I have and oday 23 I did the same about 1 month ago.For wood use white oak. If you like the modern look use a stainless steel post. Look on the internet. They will make it to your specs.clif

 

[Don Evans]

Compression Post

I have often wondered myself what wood that is? I don't know my woods that well, but would hazard a guess it was a regionally available wood to the O'Day factory. Could it be "yellow pine"? I don't really think its important to replace with same wood, unless your into total restorations. A hard wood, relatively rot resistant with attractive grain should suffice. The base is not fiberglassed into the floor pan, mine just rests on the top of the bilge divide, just beneath the floor, and just above the fiberglassed lead keel. Nor is it attached to the cabin roof. Attached to the bulkhead, and in compression top to bottom, I doubt it ever needed anymore support than that. Mine never budged a bit. Its close to a 2X4 in dimension, so I don't see why a 2X4 should not work. Treat the bilge end against rot. You may want to epoxy that end. Apply a complimentary stain to match the interior wood.Don

 

[Ernest Winslett]

Thanks for your help!

I'll let you know how it turns out (hopefully with images).