Carl Schaefer wrote:Tate, Yes, the bolts are factory installed but they don't hold up well after the boat has seen alot of use and the main deckbeam begins to sag. Bud's solution in his service manual of bolting through the bulkhead helps maintain the curve of the deckbeam and discourages dishing of the deck.

I hope I helped some while awaiting Bud's response.

Carl

Carl:  I have the thru deck carriage bolts - and have to keep them sealed but don't show signs of sinking into the deck. 

Here is what I finally settled on to support the mast beam - I added 5 of Bud's bronze machine screws through the beam to hold it together then added a steel c section in black to spread the load across the beam.  The job is much easier w/o the mast in place - easier to reposition the main beam etc. The beam is multiple pieces of ash? and teak - frankly this are should have been made and supported better. IMHO.

Of course there are more things to do - check Bud's manual for the whole fix -- more images here.  

Hope this helps.

Jay

Edward Herold wrote:I am in process of a cabin rebuild which includes compression post and new cabin top beams.  I am happy to relay my experiences to any interested parties.  It wasn't all fun and games so perhaps I learned a few things although all boats are not the same some of the princiiples may still apply.