I removed the mast step plate because I had some bad cracking going on around the base and I glad I did too the mounting bolts had notches worn into them and were rusted pretty bad. (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j177/ehall686/Sail%20Boat/SAM_0640_zpsexsdrl20.jpg) (http://s80.photobucket.com/user/ehall686/media/Sail%20Boat/SAM_0640_zpsexsdrl20.jpg.html)
I went out and got some stainless to replace them.
This is the cracking around the mast plate:
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j177/ehall686/Sail%20Boat/SAM_0622_zpswi9wfzll.jpg) (http://s80.photobucket.com/user/ehall686/media/Sail%20Boat/SAM_0622_zpswi9wfzll.jpg.html)
I used a Dremel tool to channel out the cracks with a small diamond bit
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j177/ehall686/Sail%20Boat/SAM_0623_zpscezjzrh8.jpg) (http://s80.photobucket.com/user/ehall686/media/Sail%20Boat/SAM_0623_zpscezjzrh8.jpg.html)
Then I filled the channels with Marine Tex Epoxy Putty
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j177/ehall686/Sail%20Boat/SAM_0639_zpswjyowbuq.jpg) (http://s80.photobucket.com/user/ehall686/media/Sail%20Boat/SAM_0639_zpswjyowbuq.jpg.html)
Then a good sanding
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j177/ehall686/Sail%20Boat/SAM_0642_zpsgg2nvs0a.jpg) (http://s80.photobucket.com/user/ehall686/media/Sail%20Boat/SAM_0642_zpsgg2nvs0a.jpg.html)
The paint I got from West Marine is Super white compared to the old gel coat. I don't really like it but the repair is covered and protected from the elements.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j177/ehall686/SAM_0647_zpstinvfpks.jpg) (http://s80.photobucket.com/user/ehall686/media/SAM_0647_zpstinvfpks.jpg.html)
Thanks for the post, as I need to do some similar work on my 16.
Good going!
Thanks for the pics & descriptions!
Chuck
Typed "epoxy" in the search box and found this older post... very informative thank you!
Since it has been 6 years since the post- would be awesome if you got a notification from this and could share an update on the work! I am about to drill out some larger screw holes to fill with epoxy since my mast step ripped out. (no other damage to the boat) There are some additional spider cracks I wanted to fill and you will make it easy now. Thanks again