Compression Post Blues

[lavery]

Riggers,
I would like to discuss a possible mast compression problem. I’m looking for people who have been there, done that, and have the t-shirt.

I am looking at a Southern Cross 31 with lots of deck crazing,
cracking around stanchions etc. A survey has turned up no concerns
about deck or hull integrity. My concern is the apparent slight
crushing or dishing of the cabin top in the area of the mast step.
Also, there are parallel cracks in the fiberglass surface where the
cabin top meets the deck in the area of the mast.

The survey did not determine a reason for the dishing. The surveyor
looked for but did not observe a compression post problem.

First, does deck dishing around the mast step indicate a serious
problem?

If so, might hidden compression post problems exist that require
disassembly for observation? What parts of mast removal and
compression post disassembly require yard expertise and what parts can
be done by a do-it-yourselfer? What $ values might be assigned to
different repair scenarios?

Any light you can shed is greatly appreciated.

Jim Lavery
s/v Polar Bear