broken fiberglass

Some of you may remember me from a few years ago...I posted a thread regarding broken fiberglass around the mast tabernacle of my 14.2. I was sailing away when I heard a cracking sound sail coming from the base of the mast. Apparently, there must be some sort of support under the fiberglass – I’m imagining a thick piece of wood. Well, mine must be rotted. Has anyone encountered and fixed this problem?

I got my Capri 14.2 last August and I found rotted wood under the tabernacle. It was approximately 5/8" plywood, roughly 7" wide by 11" long. I replaced it with a piece of 3/4" pine about the same width and length.

I don't know if this is "stock" as manufactured, or not, but I would very much like to know exactly what should be there. If anyone knows, please post!

Thanks again,

Warren

Warren,
Thanks for the quick reply. I'm relieved to find out that the wood dimensions don’t seem too large or overly complicated. I’d have to check for sure, but I think my Capri is about 10 years old or more – but generally in good shape. How old is yours? Does yours have a small storage compartment just under the tabernacle? Mine appears to be both screwed and glued into place, so I’m a little apprehensive about damaging it whilst removing it. Did you end up having to do much fiberglass work? My tabernacle actually sunk into the fiberglass and did a fair amount of damage concentrated around the tabernacle.
I’m really glad to hear that someone has gone through this other than me, any advice is greatly appreciated.
Will

Tabernacle & backing

Will,
My Capri 14.2 is a 1986 model and is in fairly good condition..though I have a very long "to do" list for such a short boat!

I have a small storage compartment (cuddy) under the tabernacle.

When I found the rotted wood I was able to remove it with my hands. There were no screws, just the tabernacle bolts. Any glue that was ever there was no longer. I had no fiberglass damage. I cut out a piece of wood, drilled it as necessary, applied some stain (needs more protection), and added "caulk mast step" to my list.

I don't know if the tabernacle backing plate I made is sufficient. I hope someone will provide a description of the proper backing!

I'm attaching 2 photos of the tabernacle backing (minus the boat).

Thanks again,

Warren

There have been other threads about attaching the mast mount to the boat. I think thet the general thought is that you DO NOT want to thru bolt the mast support to the boat. It is held on with (4) wood screws. That way if one of the shrouds fail, and they are going to do that, the mast will fall and pull the screws from the wooden piece below and not destroy the fiberglass. I would remove the old rotted wood, let the area dry out, then reattach an new piece of wood to the boat with fiberglass and resen. Make sure it is sealed well. When dry, remount the mast mount with the wood screws.

Just my two cents

Roger