Deep hole under mast step

[beckettnole]

Hi everyone!

I’m replacing my step of the mast in my 1973 C&C 30 MK1

There is a deep pit underneath that is below and forward of the keel bolts and bilge.

It’s look like it was an original design but seems crazy because water can just pool there, out of reach of my bilge. I’ve attached a couple pictures.

Any insight or advice?

I’m keen to just fill with fiberglass.


Best,

Ryan

[Cheechako]

I wouldn't fill it with glass, someone may need to get to that bolt sometime. Put a coating of something to waterproof it if you want maybe.
Boy those underfloor bulkheads are sure delaminated!

[beckettnole]

haha I’m replacing those too
The bolt on the right side is the last bolt. The now infamous pit is to the left (it’s deeper than it looks in the picture) and forward of said bolt so no need to access it unless there’s something I’m not thinking of ��

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by beckettnole

haha I’m replacing those too
The bolt on the right side is the last bolt. The now infamous pit is to the left (it’s deeper than it looks in the picture) and forward of said bolt so no need to access it unless there’s something I’m not thinking of ��

Oh, I see. Yeah, I suppose you can just fill it with small pieces of glass and resin or epoxy

[deblen]

Don't forget https://www.coinsandcanada.com/coins...1973&p=3&cat=1

[meirriba]

Something I do not understand. You replace the keel bolt, good. But how can you ensure that there will never be a need to access it again? Or you plan to fill only the area to the left (in the picture) and leave the bolt exposed? This will be fine.
Still, it is interesting, what was the original purpose of this depression in the bottom of the boat.

[GordMay]

C&C used a keel stub/sump:

[Phyrcooler]

Just basing off the pictures, I believe that it provides a collection point LOWER than the exposed keel bolts - keeping them out of water sitting down there. After cleaning it all up and a nice epoxy finish, I’d put a bilge pump down there, (or the pick-up of a remote one if it can’t be easily accessed after mast is stepped). Keeps your bolts from sitting in any bilge water.

[AKA-None]

Originally Posted by GordMay

C&C used a keel stub/sump:

Yeap that’s mine on the right but no real low spot as a place to pull water from