Sampson Post on MT34

[ChrisTrawler]

As we continue to look for leaks on the Marine Trader 34, we discovered some of the the base of the Sampson Post is rotted from water leakage over many years. Question, should be look at replacing the existing post or use Fiberglass to re-fabricate the base. It is not rotten all the way through, maybe 30%.

We are trying to dry it out and find where the leak is coming from above.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[C lectric]

Some more photos of how and where the wood post enters the compartment would help hugely. Otherwise we are totally guessing about how this thing is installed.
Total guesswork but my guess is the leak is between the deck/compartment fiberglass and post top where it comes through the top of the compartment.
Around the post top and the compartment top is there any wood quarter round.
Maybe it has lost its seal allowing water to enter.

Water will run down the post soaking it once it enters the compartment and you likely won't see it. I am GUESSING it is slow to soak so likely little or no running water.

But post those photos.

 

[Comodave]

Some more photos of how and where the wood post enters the compartment would help hugely. Otherwise we are totally guessing about how this thing is installed.
Total guesswork but my guess is the leak is between the deck/compartment fiberglass and post top where it comes through the top of the compartment.
Around the post top and the compartment top is there any wood quarter round.
Maybe it has lost its seal allowing water to enter.

Water will run down the post soaking it once it enters the compartment and you likely won't see it. I am GUESSING it is slow to soak so likely little or no running water.

But post those photos.

Agree.

 

[ChrisTrawler]

As we examined the post more, we think the water would have entered in two places. The first is the base of the post, as you said. The post is made of two pieces of weed. We also suspect water over the years seeped through the two haves of the post.

Now, fixing is the issue.

 

[Bmarler]

It’s hard to tell, but are we looking at the bottom of the post sitting on the compartment floor? Is the compartment also the chain locker?
If in fact it’s the bottom of the post sitting on the compartment floor, I might shorten the post and install a metal base that would keep the post from sitting in water. Water will seep up the end grain much easier than it would on the flat grain surface. So keeping the end grain out of standing water is very important.
It would depend on the way it’s built to determine the route to repair.

 

[alormaria]

Cut out the rot and dutchman in new wood. If it weren't for epoxy and dutchmans, I wouldn't have a boat.

Rot could have been caused by wet anchor rode with no good ventilation to dry in place. I always dry the rode on deck as soon as possible. Good luck with your MT34!

 

[ChrisTrawler]

Thanks for the suggestion. Just came across a piece of Teak that will fit the bill.