Ok, here's the plan:
In an effort to update my 1986 C36 Mk1, I want to swap out the cabin compression post that extends form the top of the galley-sink counter to the cabin roof with a polished ss tube.
I measured the square base and top of the post and both are 2.25" square.
I found a polished 2.25" ss round tube to swap out with the wood. In addition, I plan to add a series of lights and the top of the polished ss tubing in an effort to increase the illumination in the interior of the boat.
She has a very darkly stained teak interior, and if you couple that fact with my dark blue cushions, you can barely see at night.
I have permanent mood lighting!
So I will wire four light fixtures in at the top of the ss tubing and then route the wires through the center of the tubing and through the counter top to a switch in the galley area.
Each light will have it's own switch as well.
My question is this: Has anyone already done this?
Any threads out there I could not find when I searched?
I am wondering if there are any pitfalls or potential drawbacks in doing this. The compression post does not even touch the cabin top - so it's not a stressed member under normal circumstances.
Feedback is appreciated!
Thanks!
Mitch
1986 Catalina 36 MKI
S/V "Blessing"
Kema, TX
Hull: #584
M25 w/ Oberdorfer Conversion
I'm pretty sure the 'spindle' is a compression post to help hold up the deck above the galley. I would make sure the SS pole is capped so the weight of the deck is not on the edge of the pole, even if it is just for a handhold.
I recall a technical article by Tom Soko about installing lights and wiring through the post; I believe he cut it on a table saw and routed a channel for the wiring, then re-glued the halves.
Nick Tonkin
*Former* Website Administrator, C36/375IA
*Former* owner, C36 tr/fk #255, Santa Barbara, CA
Mitch,
Nick is correct. The "spindle" is a compression post to support the deck. You could use a 2.25" diameter post/pole, but I don't think you need something that large. I've seen other boats use simple 1" SS tubing, with fittings normally used for deck railings. From memory (I did that project MANY years ago!), the hardest part was removing the screw(s) coming up thru the galley countertop into the bottom of the post. The square donut at the top (under the deck) is held in place with a couple of screws hidden by teak bungs. I'm pretty sure there is a picture of the light fixture I installed among the other Julandra projects. Rather than trying to drill the SS for wiring holes, you might want to use a piece of teak at the top, where the square donut is now. Teak is a lot easier to drill and router than SS is! Hope this helps.
Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT
Thanks for the feedback!
Mitch
1986 Catalina 36 MKI
S/V "Blessing"
Kema, TX
Hull: #584
M25 w/ Oberdorfer Conversion
Mitchman. We did this about 5 years ago when we updated our galley counter top. I removed the wooden post and replaced it with a 1 inch tube and a 1 horizontal tube which I added a shelf to and led lights over the sink and table area. Drop me a email and I can send you some pictures.
Randy Sherwood
Mutualfun 1990 # 1057
T/R W/K M35a
Home. Charlotte, Mi.
Boat. St Augustine,Fl.
I did this a few years back and drilled the teak post with an electricians drill about 4 feet long. Bought the drill at Home Depot. Need to go about it slow as the drill may walk. Believe I pre drilled initially to get the hole started.
I believe the column is there to support the span of the cabin top, but found it was not a tight fit once I freed it at the top.
Gary Bain
S/V "Gone With The Wind"
Catalina 36', Hull #: 1056, Year: 1990, Engine: M-35
Standard Rig
Moored: Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Home: Auburn, Maine
Good stuff here. Thank you.
Sounds doable.
Interestingly enough, my compression post is not under load. It basically floats in the collar at the cabin top.
Thanks again!
Mitch
1986 Catalina 36 MKI
S/V "Blessing"
Kema, TX
Hull: #584
M25 w/ Oberdorfer Conversion
Wondering why Mk I's need a compression post there but not Mk II's?
Joe & Patti Worth
"Tehani"
1999 C36 MKII #1810
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
[quote=jworth3]Wondering why Mk I's need a compression post there but not Mk II's?[/quote]
Exactly. I was wondering where a downward force would originate as well.
Seems unnecessary. Maybe that's why it was eliminated on the MkIIs.
Maybe others will weigh in...
Mitch
1986 Catalina 36 MKI
S/V "Blessing"
Kema, TX
Hull: #584
M25 w/ Oberdorfer Conversion
My guess is that it's simply for weight on deck, i.e. a crewmember. You're right that the rig would tend to squeeze the deck up if anything.
Nick Tonkin
*Former* Website Administrator, C36/375IA
*Former* owner, C36 tr/fk #255, Santa Barbara, CA
On my Mark I the post always seemed to float and as I hated the look and knew that the MARK II didn't have one I wanted to see if I could just take it out.. I called tech support at the factory and after giving them the age of the boat and hull number, was told that the post was not needed and so could be removed. I took it out 3 years ago, put a two loop teak grab rail on the roof at that place in the center. Everything has worked fine. I see no flexing or deflection under any sea or sailing conditions or when crew are on the roof.
Neil Roach
"Crewless"
1992 36, Mark I
Hull # 1174
Seattle
Thanks for the replies.
I feel pretty good about my plan.
I am going to keep the post and use it basically for asthetics as well as a platform to mount LED lights - although it's quite clear it's not technically needed under most circumstances.
One issue might be if you had several adults clamoring over the cabin top if you were tacking in races.
Regardless, I will keep it and post some pics of the project as it unfolds.
Thanks to all for the responses!
Special thanks to Randy and Jeannie on Mutual Fun for the pics. Godspeed.
Mitch
1986 Catalina 36 MKI
S/V "Blessing"
Kema, TX
Hull: #584
M25 w/ Oberdorfer Conversion
Personally I will not be worring about a few bodies in the cabin top or deck.
The weight of wave breaking on it is my worry.
Francois
Good point, Francois.
Mitch
1986 Catalina 36 MKI
S/V "Blessing"
Kema, TX
Hull: #584
M25 w/ Oberdorfer Conversion