shrouds out of room

[Dan]

My 31 year old C-22's shrouds have no more adjustment left, and I can't decide if the cabin roof has compressed over the years or if the shrouds have stretched that much. There doesn't appear to be any sign of cracking or crazing around the mast step or under the compression post, but the pop-top dno longer fits snuggly on the roof at the mast. I'm also a little concerned about adding a backing plate to the through-deck shrouds. Any advice?

 

[Bayard Gross]

look at bottom of compression post

I think you should take down the mast and remove the mast step by unscrewing the lag bolt that attaches it to the compression post. After this, remove the compression post and see if the compression post is starting to go through the keel trunk. It could be going through here so evenly that it may not appear from an exterior examination.

 

[Dick of Sylvan]

Some Other Possibilities

I think that Bayard is on right track and the most in need of checking out. But if there hasn't been compression in the deck or below the compression post, I would wonder if the base of your mast may be worn shorter by numerous raising-lowering exercises over the 30 + years (suspect stainless is tougher than aluminum) or if maybe your old shrouds have stretched. Dick