removing masthead casting

[pegasus1457]

I have to rewire my mast this Spring and it looks like the job will be a lot easier if I can pull the casting at the masthead. Here are two photos of the casting from port and starboard.

Does this look familiar to anyone? [It is from a Pearson 32, 1980 vintage]
If I undo the nut in the center, does that release the casting? I have a feeling there is a compression post behind the nut and I am worried that once I remove it I will not be able to get it back together again.

[Sasha_V]

Yes there is a compression post, no it is not difficult to get back in (it goes right over the bolt and slips in, you just have to be carefull it does not slip off the bolt as you are withdrawing and drops down the mast). Yes, you need to undo it to release the masthead.
Take a small mallet and a block of wood with you, as it will likely need some encouragment to slide up after seating itself in there very well. Do not strike the masthead. PLace the wood block against one side then the other and give the block a tap, laternating front and back. This will encourage it up out of its slot.

Sasha

[pegasus1457]

Originally Posted by Sasha_V

Yes there is a compression post, no it is not difficult to get back in (it goes right over the bolt and slips in, you just have to be carefull it does not slip off the bolt as you are withdrawing and drops down the mast). Yes, you need to undo it to release the masthead.

Sasha

The mast is currently horizontal. Does that make the problem of losing the post go away?

[Faster]

It strikes me that the compression post may be part of the casting itself, in which case you have no worries on that score. Certainly with the mast out and horizontal the consequences of "dropping" the post are minimal, it can be easily retrieved. If it is loose it seems to me the biggest problem will be getting it back in place when you reinstall the casting...