Commander Compression Post Discussions

[Anthony/Bina]

Hi Pearson folks,
How's the sailing?
We have a question about our compression post, not actually the mast. At some point in time, a previous owner installed a cute little table in the cabin (uwhich we have currently removed ) and drilled some holes in the post to hold the table up. We were wondering if it is okay to fill those holes with some thick goopy schmagma-like epoxy and then paint the post white. Is there any reason that this wold not be okay? ..Also, does anyone know what the post is made of? We really want to make our interior nice, and thought this added paintjob would only enhace it.
Thanks for any supplied info!
Anthony/Bina
#155

[Mike Goodwin]

Better yet, drive a dowel into the hole set in a little epoxy .

[commanderpete]

I believe the post is steel.

If the holes aren't too big you might be able to fill them with JB Weld (from the auto parts store).

[Tony G]

The city of Dallas, Texas repaired a cracked Catapillar engine block with J-B Weld and saved $4,000.00 plus thirty days down time.

That's one incredible project mamager to get that many people to work together on one thing!

I guess the gennie is out of the tubes....

[Doug]

Working on the mast for Ariel #400....and looking for some advise
Removing the through bolts for both the spreaders and uppers - I found that there are no compression posts for these bolts to prevent the mast from being distorted or crushed. Is this the normal state of things?
I am also busy trying to remove the mast base to adapt a mast hinge - has anyone used a slide hammer to whale away at the base?

[commanderpete]

Don't think a post is needed. The load is pretty spread out and probably not too great.

[Rico]

While I had my mast down, I decided to retrofit compression pipes at the spreader brackets on the mast.

You can read-up on the concept, and can see the pictures of the install here (post #87+):
http://www.pearsonariel.org/discussi...ead.php?t=1552

[Chance]

Hello all,
I have experience removing and working the area of the compression posts on Commanders, don't know if there are any outstanding questions that I can help shed some light on. Here's a couple of points though:

1) The compression post is schedule 80 anodized aluminum.
2) The sole was installed first, then the post lowered down through the forward hatch and inserted into the cabin sole hole at a slight angle.
3) The lower end of the post sits on a built up fiberglass base in the bildge. Most likely with wood somewhere inside. The post itself is not glassed in.
4) The wooden wedge between the top of the post and the underside of the cabin is made of teak. The wedge is necessary for the same reasons the mast base has a slope to it.
5) Pearson cored the entire cabin roof, to include (unfortunately) the area immediatedly under the mast step.
6) The core is 3/8 inch end grain balsa.
7) Any detected movement is a sure sign that the balsa's integrity has been compromised. ie, water intrusion followed by rot / decay.
8) No work should be attempted with the spar (mast) up.
9) To remove the compression post strip away the very light tabbing around top of the post and with a block of wood drive the top of the post directly forward. Remember, the post was installed through the cabin sole hole at an angle and will come out at an angle. The biggest challenge will of course be in overcoming any downward movement the cabin roof made due the core failure.

I'll leave it at that for now, unless there are more questions of repair, etc..

Thanks,
Chance.

[Commander 147]

I appreciate your post.

Have you replaced the compression post with a laminated support beam yet? If so is the process detailed here someplace?

[Tony G]

By chance, does anyone have a photo or two of the bottom end of the compression post? It would be helpful to see just what Pearson deemed sufficient in the bilge to hold up the mast.

[Commander 147]

Here is a picture of my post bottom. It does not look like the base it sits on was glassed very well.

[Rico]

I have seen a handful of post bases and they've all looked very similar to Jerry's picture above. It is not as pretty as the rest of the boat, but since this component works only under compression, it is built solidly enough. There is a teak block underneath the mess of glass as far as I've seen. I've cleaned-up C-155's a bit, but I decided to leave it alone as it is a hard area to work in unless you have the sole out - and I did not want to do that...
If you do some work in this area remember to provide drainage underneath or water will pool-up in the front... I've seen this too.

[Tony G]

Thanks, captains!

I just wanted to see if it was more complex than I thought. Sure enough looks like what I found to be the typical 'outta sight' factory glass job on 113-get the fabric wet and stick in the general vicinity. I'd really hate to lose something and have to go fishing with a bare hand near there! I used to think cardboard cuts were bad until I got a good resin and fabric cut. (I just winced remembering.)

I was thinking about what design would still give the strength needed and let water pass underneath. I have the feeling I'm allready over-engineering this piece but it needs to be strong. Maybe something 'T' shaped that would allow water to pass on both sides, support the post over the upright body of the 'T' and be glassed to the hull on the top, flat portion of the 'T'. Or maybe just a block with a groove gouged in the bottom surface...

Sailor Jerry, is that a twist of duplex cable coming out of your post?

[Commander 147]

I thought the same thing when I first saw it. But believe it or not this is what it says on the cable (see picture below) which BTW has been removed. I plan to do away with the compression post and go to a strongback design which I will undoubtably over engineer like I do everything else.

[Tony G]

Now I'm really curious... Why are you considering switching to a strongback? I suppose a strongback and accompanying bulkhead (if you're adding one) would make it easier to close off the 'head' compartment. That does seem to be a issue from time to time and depending upon who's on board. And honestly, at first I thought a compression post looked 'in the way' because I got so used to having an open passage throught the main bulkhead. But given the open plan of the Commander it started to make sense to me as far as hand hold going forward in the cabin. It sure does uncomplicate things when it comes to mast support. I guess ultimately this decision boils down to how you sail and use your boat.

It's funny. I'm thinking about taking out the strongback in favor of adding a compression post and you are thinking the inverse. Crazy world we live in.

Seriously though, I'm interested in why or how you have come to your decision.