Keel base

In need of restoration

Once we had dismantled the lower planks and removed the bolts joining the keel base to the frames and floor plates, the terrible condition of the keel base became evident.
Here is a view of the starboard side towards the stern.

Port side

The keel base also looked very weathered on the port side.

View from the bow

There is now a wide gaping hole between the keel base and the keelson.

Rusted

These galvanised steel bolts formed the link between the keel base and the frames over the floor plates.

Most of them were extremely corroded and some were completely rusted through and no longer of use.