Keel removed

I finally got the keel off after cutting two bolts and got the other 4 unscrewed.

 

I kinda thought it wouldn't be good under the keel.  My suspicions were right.  You can see by the picture below that the plywood is very rotten.  It's a good thing I removed the keel.  I was able to scrape away all of the plywood with a few light passes with the claw of the hammer.  Looks like I will be replacing a portion of the bottom.  I may consider replacing the whole section or the entire bottom just because I can at this point.  Might be best in the long run.

 

I think this is the first time the keel has been off the boat.  There was no barrier between the keel and the plywood.  It had several layers of this dense foam/epoxy stuff. to fill in the gap between the keel and hull.

 

After I ensure all the needed wood is replaced, my plan is to epoxy and 1 layer of 4 oz glass on the bottom.  Then the keel will go on over the glass.  It's my thinking that this will help put a barrier between the wood and keel to help reduce the chances of water getting trapped between the keel and wood. 

 

As always, if you know a better way, I'm all ears and willing to consider anything.  I know many of you have far more experience than I do with this type of work.