Having had to repair and replace some stanchions on my H34 I have a simple solution to share with other Hunter owners. The problem is winter damage to the stanchions caused by entrapped water freezing. This blows the bottom off the stanchion and also forces the internal nylon plug upwards to trap the lower life line. Either slacken the bolts that hold the stanchion to the toe rail when laying the boat up for winter (remember to tighten in the spring)to allow the water to leak out or, (my preference) drill a small hole (3/32") in the base of the stanchion about 3/8" from the bottom. This will allow the unwanter water that enters through the life line holes to escape. If it is too late and stanchion need replacing, I saw a few spares available this week at the Tidewater Marina store at Harvre de Grace (MD) (410 939 0950).