MacGregorSailors.com

Hello All,

I need some assistance, I recently purchased a 1973 MacGregor Venture 224 and it does not appear to have a compression post (I haven't been to the boat in a couple of weeks so I can't remember, but I was installing some wiring and don't remember a post being in the way).

I need some photos/instructions of how the Compression Post is attached both at the keel and the overhead.

Also, what type of wood have you used to replace your compression posts (to those who have done this).

Thanks for all the help,

Mike

Mike, there is nothing complex about the post other then it needs to be there. At a minimum a standard 2x4 would do fine and because it's in compression just secure it so it cant fall out. Just cut to fit snug between the cabin top and keel trunk when the mast is down. If you wanted to go all out use teak or other hard wood that measures a full 2x3. On my 79 V22 I have a teak 2x3. On mine the post was under the head liner. Because I finished my celling and did not use a head liner my post was too short. I solved this by adding a plank under the post. I also have a single angle bracket attached it to the cabin top. Then it was screwed to the bulkhead. There was no attachment to the keel trunk.

Thanks Pete,

Did you do anything fancy with your hardwood post (I noticed a lot of the photos show that a lathe has been taken to many of the compression posts)? I am think of temporarily installing a 2x4 to keep me sailing until I can fabricate something better.

Mike

the original post was 3x3 with the turning.

I belive that the older boats had round posts and then later ones had square. Mine is a '79 with a 2x3 square post.

I laminated/glued three pieces of 3/4" oak together for a thickness of 2-1/4" which I cut to a width of 3". I couldn't afford teak and wanted something stronger than the soft mahogany. As for the length, you may want to use a bottle jack and 2X4 to lift the cabin top up a bit before cutting your post to size. It has probably sagged quite a bit if there has been no compression post for some time.