Kirby. I'm confused by your use of the term 'hinged'? Jerry didn't install hinged mast steps (aka tabernacles). What does yours look like? A picture would be great. The compression post is in two parts. The upper, longer is above the v-berth going to the cabin roof. The lower is bellow the v-berth. The post sections are just cast-off pieces of a mast. No real reason to remove the lower section unless something looks out of place. The upper section is held in place with L-brackets (at least it was on my M17). It is normal for the compression post not to be a snug fit when the mast isn't raised. The upper section needs to be removed so you can get at the nuts holding the tabernacle to the house. Remove the tabernacle and inspect the core for water damage. If all good rebed using 3M4000 or 4200 or Sikaflex 291. As already stated do NOT use silicone or 3M5200. If there is water in the core see this link for how to repair extensive repair example - https://www.google.com/amp/s/m17-375.com/2018/12/17/do-you-know-the-conditio... (The above link will also has pictures showing the standard M17 mast step.) If there is anything else I can do to assist let me know. :: Dave Scobie :: M6'8" #650 :: SV SWALLOW - sv-swallow.com :: former owner M17 #375 SWEET PEA - m17-375.com :: former owner M15 #288 SCRED - www.freewebs.com/m15-named-scred/ On Sat, Feb 1, 2020, 6:46 PM Kirby Stross <capkirby0122@gmail.com> wrote:
I need to remove the hinged mast step mounted on deck and the below deck aluminum compression post on my 1985 Montgomery 17. I want to recaulk the stainless mast step and inspect the inside mounted aluminum compression post. Both are original installations.
What is the easiest, best way to accomplish this.
Best regards,
Kirby Stross 1985 Montgomery 17