Islander 36 keel step

[TwoGreyHairs]

I just got a 78 islander 36. Great boat, well balanced. Needs "alittle" work though. The mast at the step looks ok for now. Not a lot of corrosion. But under the steel plate it sits on, is a ply wood bulkhead that extends down into the bilge. Does anyone know what else supports that plate?? I can only see from one side without tearing stuff up. Thanks.

[Plain sailor]

I had an Islander 32 that seemed to have some cement under the mast area.

[Charlie]

Have you looked at the Islander 36 website? Lots of good info and an active membership. Islander 36 Maintenance Great boats. almost bought one. Probably should have.

[hdra]

Ditto the I-36 website - I have a '77 I-36 and found it invaluable in doing work on her. As far as I can tell on my boat, the steel plate of the keel step is supported fore and aft by two plywood bulkheads, which are connected by a piece of plywood on each side, so the plate is supported on all four edges by plywood, but the space in the middle is hollow.

[TwoGreyHairs]

Thanks, think all that is gona have to come out. Got some rot around the mast area in the plywood sole.
Oh Yeah! I found the perfect tool to get toe rails off! A 20 year old with no arhritis or tennis elbows. He had all the nuts off in 5 hours. We should fly through the rebed with him inside. Everyone should have acouple young dudes in there tool box.

[TwoGreyHairs]

Some new info for ya. Got the teak sole up and found what was under the mast step. In-between the for and aft bilge stringers ,they poured a very ancient looking epoxy filler. It looks old, but I'm not touchin it
Still doing its job.