Removed the mast step plate for repairs

[ehall686]

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.
I went out and got some stainless to replace them.

This is the cracking around the mast plate:



I used a Dremel tool to channel out the cracks with a small diamond bit



Then I filled the channels with Marine Tex Epoxy Putty



Then a good sanding





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.

[MHardy]

Thanks for the post, as I need to do some similar work on my 16.

[ChuckD]

Good going!
Thanks for the pics & descriptions!
Chuck

[UpNorth1122]

Typed "epoxy" in the search box and found this older post... very informative thank you!

[UpNorth1122]

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