CD30 Cutter Compression posts

Kevin_P · Post by **Kevin_P** » Dec 9th, '10, 09:50

Hi All,
I have a '77 CD30 Cutter with compression post under cockpit. I had always presumed that it was for the mizzen mast, but now I'm wondering if the later CD30s even have or need the compression post at all. Removing it might provide better access to the engine... though it might be more work to remove than the perceived benefits.

Thoughts?
Thanks!
Kevin Petajan

Steve Laume · Post by **Steve Laume** » Dec 10th, '10, 09:44

There might not be any immediate response to this post because no one else has a compression post under their cockpit.

Could it be that a previous owner added this post to correct a soft deck? I have never had a close look at a CD-30 ketch so I don't know what the set up is like. The last thing you need is another impairment to access in the engine area, Steve.

Kevin_P · Post by **Kevin_P** » Dec 10th, '10, 09:51

Thanks for the reply. Maybe the earlier CD30 models were all built with the compression post... then at some point, perhaps when they dropped the ketch configuration, they stopped building them with compression posts?

-Kevin

JWSutcliffe · Post by **JWSutcliffe** » Dec 10th, '10, 09:55

I had a 1981 CD30, which had no such compression post. I cannot even imagine trying to squeeze back there with yet another obstruction!

Kevin_P · Post by **Kevin_P** » Dec 10th, '10, 10:10

Yes, it's already a mess back there with the V-drive and all, then the post sits about 6" to 8" behind the fly wheel. (engine is mounted backwards) Fun! I'm glad that I'm somewhat skinny, otherwise I'd never make it down there!

Klem · Post by **Klem** » Dec 10th, '10, 12:11

My 30k has a compression post directly under the mast step for the mizzen. It seems like a plausible hypothesis that all boats used to get this until they stopped producing ketches. It should not be necessary structurally to the boat without a mizzen.

K_LeMans · Post by **K_LeMans** » Dec 11th, '10, 10:40

I have a 1981 30c (#216) and it does have a compression post. Who knows how they decided to install them (or not).....

I never thought about taking it out. One could suggest that it provides support to the cockpit sole..... but apparently others get by without it. I wonder if there is any difference in cockpit construction depending on whether the post is there or not.

I'm 6"-2", so going down there is always painful.

rorik · Post by **rorik** » Dec 11th, '10, 14:00

The compression post is there not to support the cockpit sole so much as it it is to stop the mizzen from punching a hole in the sole as the wind picks up and the downward pressure created by the rigging increases.

jvanghel · Post by **jvanghel** » Dec 11th, '10, 19:17

I have a CD 30c also, #179 and it has a compression post also. Only downside I have seen is crazing in the fiberglass gelcoat above it.

Jim

Steve Laume · Post by **Steve Laume** » Dec 11th, '10, 20:05

Raven is an early 1984 (309) CD-30C with no compression post.

I believe I now have our hot water heater right where the post would have been, Steve.

The Cape Dory Board

CD30 Cutter Compression posts

CD30 Cutter Compression posts

Thanks

Agreed!

Compression Post

Compression post