When I owned hull #2 I lengthened this post up to the cockpit floor. It is something that was added in around hull #40 so none of the older boats had the post that went up to the cockpit floor. It merely stuck up about 6-8 inches so you could attach the outboard to it. The problem I was having was the weight and flex of the cockpit was causing seperation at the forward cockpit bulkhead from the cabin at the outboard end next to the hull. I believe this is why the support was added later on the newer boats to prevent the flexing of the cockpit and prevent seperating of the bulkhead.

I have never heard of the post causing the bottom of the boat to become deformed. I would be inclined to remove the post completely and cut through the inner layer of fiberglass. It soulds as though there may be some core damage underneath the post.

When I replaced the thru-hull fittings for my instruments on hull #2 I found a LOT of water between the two layers (i.e. - in the core). I had a small steady stream of water for a day or two draining out of the boat when I drilled out the old thru hull pieces. I ended up leaving a heat lamp on it for a couple of weeks before I was confident it was dry. Sounds like you may have a similar issue in the back of the boat. Maybe not but probably worth looking into without too much pain.

I think moving the cockpit support forward would be a good thing overall.

Keep us posted as to how it turns out and what you decide to do.

Jason