The gap shows how much the pad has shrunk.
The post is removed.
The floor is being prepared.
Rik is helping.
The pad is soaking wet.
The rotten compression post pad is removed.
The process to rebuild is starting.
The pad is now made up of G-10 and epoxy.
The compression post is being re-installed.
Starting on the drawers under the saloon table.
Rough fit of drawers.
Drawers are full already with tools.
Remove the mast plate.
Remove the leaking starboard chainplate.
Rebed the mast plate.
Rebed the starboard chainplate.
All new wires were installed in the mast.
I spent the month removing the compression post and eventually the rotted pad. This is a documented issue with 43 deck salons built around the timeframe of my boat. I had helped my friend Rik do his in the winter and he helped me with mine as well. After 3 days to remove the old, rotted wood and a few more letting it dry I made a new pad with a combination of G 10 and epoxy. This took 5 days to complete as I had to be careful as to how much epoxy I mixed due to heat concerns. I raised the post about 5/8”, which is now back at the original height. I cleaned up the effected bilge area and painted everything a nice white. Other major jobs completed while the mast was missing was re-bedding the main chainplates and cleanup of the mast plate. Also, I made storage drawers under the galley table. During this time, I was working with Walden Rigging on the new standing rigging as well as new wires to be installed in the mast. I ordered a new VHF antenna along with other items that would be easier to install while the mast was down. It was a challenging month but at least I was able to run the AC.
Days: 10 Days to date: 51
Miles: 0 Miles to date: 598.7