Once all screws top and bottom are removed, cut and peel away any visible sealant. Then, raise the dinnette table and remove the support pin. Next, with a large flat blade screwdriver and the help of another, gently and progressively pry the mast step plate out. Youll want to be sure you have support under the dining table when you do this. Theoretically the post should inch its way out.

See H26 Compression post removal (4)

Post comes out by gently prying with screwdrivers. Notice the large amount of sealant which will need to be cleaned off before re-installation and re-seal.

See H26 Compression post removal

To remove the compression post, youll need to remove the 4 corner screws on the mast step plate.

See H26 Compression post removal (2)

After top plate screws are removed, the screws at the base of the post (mine had 1 facing aft and another forward)must be removed.

See H26 Compression post removal (5)

Top view of the base which holds compression post. The line seen here is the centerboard up/down haul. Notice the large screw on the aft section of the plate. This holds the centerboard bracket in place. DO NOT unscrew unless you are prepared to remove the centerboard. NOTE: Many H26 owners experience leaks from this area. This is due to water being forced into the centerboard well and then between this plate and the hull. Youll see that mine has lots of sealant here to prevent that.

See H26 Compression post removal (7)

Overall view of compression post removed.

See H26 Compression post removal (6)

Close-up view of top portion of compression post. You can see that it is one piece.

See H26 Compression post removal (9) - Sheaves

I removed the Main and Jib Halyard sheaves to replace them with fresh ones. The stainless pin can be worked out using pliers and then simply pulled out once enough comes through to pull on. The centerboard sheave and pin simply pops out when compression post is lifted (in fact, it should come out simply by loosening the centerboard line as it is kept in place more or less by pressure).

See H26 Compression post removal (10) - Sheaves

Sheaves removed.