Hi folks;
New to the
forums. Have lurked and sought out the wisdom passively for a while already.
Looking for some more active
advice. Still new to sailing and looking to get an entry
boat into sailing. Have an opportunity to
purchase a 1981 Challenger 7.4 for a very modest
price. I went to look at it on the docks and what I saw seems to be okay.
One thing in particular stood out for me. In the
cabin, there is a wooden post that is functioning as a
mast compression post. As best as I can tell it is a 4x4 and it is planted into the top end of the
bilge. The
bilge itself looked bone dry. Post looked to be in good shape. I hadn't thought to take photos which is annoying right about now...
Current owner has had the
boat for 10 years and the previous owner was the one who installed the post. The idea was to help support the mast/deck.
Deck seemed solid to me.
I have the opportunity to go sailing on it and to see the bottom when it's hauled out. Anything with respect to that post that I need to be worried about in your collective wisdom?
Any insight is welcome. Thanks in advance.