[SeaChanger]

I'm in the process of completely restoring/upgrading an 82 C-27. My compression post looks pretty good but does show signs of having been wet (duh). This got me to thinking....should I replace the wooden compression post and upgrade with a stainless steel type? I'm a big fan of overbuilding and feel like a stainless steel upgrade would give me one less thing to think about down the road.

What are the advantages/disadvantages?

What would I step it on? Should I upgrade from what is currently under there. I already plan on doing the factory recommended keel upgrade so doing a bit more work while I'm in there is no big deal.

Thoughts?

 

[benesailor]

I have one in my boat. I don't see how there would be a disadvantage except for cost.

I would make sure that the bottom support is well constructed. Rot and crush proof. I would think any local shop could weld up a pipe with top and bottow plates.

 

[irmedic]

I have one from steel, will replace with stainless in 5 years. Works great besides having to scrape and paint every season on the foot. (bilge contact).

 

[JimsCAL]

My previous boat (Cal 9.2) was built with a SS compression post. Liked that it needed no maintenance.

 

[bobperry]

S.S. is a good idea. Make it beefy so it gives the look of strength. I'd go 3" OD max. It will look "right". Try to step it on a plate that bridges two hefty athwartships floors so the load is well spread out. Put a nice wide beefy flange on the top of it. Make the flange dimensions greater than the footprint of the mast.

 

[socal c25]

I have one from steel, will replace with stainless in 5 years. Works great besides having to scrape and paint every season on the foot. (bilge contact).

Get it sandblasted and have it powder coated, it will outlast you...

 

[climbhike]

Are you trying to sneak a stripper pole aboard on the sly? Dave G

 

[MarioG]

Lol climbhike thats what I call my stainless steel compression pole. The stripper pole on my boat is 35 yrs old and looks great and sturdy.

 

[deltaten]

Hmmmmm?

Imafoolforstainless in most places/uses; but a honkin' big, shiney post in the midst of almond FG and teak woodwork just goes against my grain. Mebbe ifnit. was bronze? '

 

[Alex W]

Powdercoat is great stuff, but I wouldn't use it on a compression post that extends into the bilge. The rust will get in between the powdercoat and metal and push the coating off. Repowdercoating is more expensive than repainting.

There is a stainless compression post in the middle of my boat (it runs through the main cabin table), which otherwise has a fairly woody interior. I think that it looks fine and it matches the polished stainless chainplates. You can image search for "pearson 28-2" to see lots of examples. The post is made at Bob Perry suggests, with a large plate at the top and bottom to spread the load.

I never confirmed this, but when I owned a Catalina 25 it looked like the compression post was hollow and made of 4 boards joined together. If the C-27 is the same way you might be able to run a metal post down the center of it to keep the wooden load with the structural integrity of metal.