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Old 12-02-2009
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It is definitely possible to move the post. It is unlikely that you will find a solution that does not increase the mass of your boat, eliminating the post will most likely make your boat heavier. If you have access to titanium I-Beam, you might be able to keep the weight down, but it will be extremely expensive. Aluminum I-beam will not actually be much lighter than steel in this application. Steel is stronger than aluminum. Aluminum is great for some things. It is easier to machine, cheaper, and lighter than steel, but it is definitely weaker than steel. An aluminum beam designed for this job will be bulkier and likely the same weight or heavier than a steel beam. This is why I suggested Ti. Ti will result in the lightest, smallest beam that will do the job and have plenty of extra strength.

Not moving the post is my preferred solution. Another possibility is to build a special post. One that begins and ends in the same place as the existing one, but arches like a dutch boom, or splits in two and rejoins itself later in the bilge. It is advisable to make this post either extremely overbuilt, or hire an engineer to make sure it is of sufficient stiffness and strength.

The new solution will need to be sized for stiffness, not strength. That means it will have to be larger than it would be if sized for strength. Use a stiff material, fiberglass or other polymers would probably be the worst choice.

In short, just leave the post where it is.
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