Snapdragon 747 compression or tablet post? And gap under floor for sounder

[SteveTibbetts]

My Snapdragon 747 has a post that runs from bilge to roof. It supports the table on a bracket with a cross pin to hold the bracket at 3 heights - lowest to make a bed, middle as a table and top when the bracket is up at the top theoretically out of the way. The post gets in the way when trying to manoeuvre round the boat and its a faff to set the table up.

The post is at the forward end of the hatch and quite some distance from the mast, so I think (I stress, think) it's not a compression post. The mast is directly above the heads bulkhead about 2' further forward

Looking at adverts I see that not all 747's have this post so I'm thinking I'd like to get rid and replace with a motorhome style table/bed support that's stored somewhere when not in use.

Anybody with experience? The post looks like it will have to be cut out so its not easy to do a trial removal.

Also, there is currently no access under the saloon floor to the bilge. I'd like to fit a sounder under there as the existing one at the base of the forward bunks is giving erratic readings, I suspect due to the thickness of the lay-up and that its angled so increasing the apparent thickness.

I'm thinking that I could remove an access hole , fit the sounder and use a dinghy style access panel. Anyone suggest where I should drill and the maximum length of pilot drill?

 

[Gumpy]

The post has its uses when its rough and you are down below
As for sounder mine was next to the engine beds, and opposite side to the log, this replaced The origional one that was moulded in the centre under the front bunk.
Finally our hatch was just off centre in front of the cooker.

ETA if I remember correctly the base of the post was held with a wooden plate screwed to the floor

 

[davidbfox]

I removed mine. There is now much more space below. I put a small hinged flap to the right of the sink to give somewhere to make a cup of tea. Two years later we have still not put in the motor home style table. Nowhere for charts though ( in case I get lost in Bowness Bay.).

There is no problem with cabin rigidity or roof compression.

Our sounder is just in front of the engine behind the steps and works fine. We also have an access hole through the floor, put in by a previous owner. The void is about 2 inches. Ours used to get rainwater in until I sealed a lot of deck fittings. So don't panic if you drill and find water! Just don't drill too far.

 

[l'escargot]

I had a 747 and the post wasn't under compression. As Magnette says I am sure there was a split wooden retainer on the cabin sole that could be unscrewed to release the post. I did consider removing the table and leaving the post but never got round to it.

Edit:
I was also going to put in a new transducer, a good location seemed to be in the locker under the saloon seat that backs onto the heads bulkhead - the lining box just lifted out.