support, or backing plate for screws?

[wileecoyote]

I took off my port side cockpit panel to try and get to the bow stanchion nuts. After removal I noticed this block of plywood, which measures 1 1/2 wide. It appears to be glassed rather sloppily. My question is, the top is glass into the deck and the bottom is screwed in with brackets. I'm not sure if this was simply a place for the panel to attach, or it is supposed to provide structure to the deck sides. My only thought is it was glassed in and when the 2 halves are assembled, they would just bolt it down. Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[rondds]

Mark
Did the panel screw into the piece of plywood? Is it the only vertical support as you sight forward and backward from this section? If it's the only one, I'm thinking it's just a "nailer" and not structural. Sure as heck wasnt doing anything in it's current condition. It's not a hot-spot for boarding the boat is it? It looks like that is just below your radar arch (where the engine room air intakes are). If you need a nailer I guess you cold glass in a new piece of MARINE plywood, or to enhance support, set in a new piece vertically that fits snugly beneath the walkway inset on the gunwhale.

Whichever previous owner(s) did all this to your boat should be arrested for boat abuse! :smt009

 

[wileecoyote]

It is just below the radar arch, which is why I was wondering if it maybe would help to stabilize the deck where the radar arch mounts. The brackets are the same as all the other ones holding the panel on, so this was more than likely put there by SeaRay. My only question with it being a nailer was there wern't any brackets hooked to it or screws going into it. If there were, they probably would have rotted off onto the floor.