Season's Greetings Tony,
TD> Does anyone have any experience  or advice about replacing the plate
TD> sanwiched between the mast compression post and the keel on a 47 foot
TD> Vagabond Cruiser.  For instance does the mast have to be removed or can
TD> the stays be loosened and jacks and props be used to support the mast
TD> while the compression post is removed to enable replacement of the plate
TD> to take place
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         I reckon you could do with just the props depending on the weight
of the mast, but I would think it would be safer to lower the mast.  I
guess it's really up to you what you decide... but obviously, you're not to
keen on lowering the mast or you wouldn't be enquiring about an
alternative -  so, if you feel you can support the deck area well enough,
then there won't be a problem.  From what I know about Vagabonds (only a
bit), they're fairly strong, well built boats and shouldn't cave in under
such a situation.  BTW, how badly rusted is the plate?  Could it just be
ground out and epoxy coated?
     Cheers,
             Augustin~~~===
                              NYC, Toronto - S2STOR - S2SVCR
... There is more to life than increasing its speed.  Ghandi
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