boweye
Seems like all the Macs get this problem. At least the older ones. The eye is backed with a piece of wood, which over time needs replacement. On some of the boats it is easy to get to. On some with liners not too easy. Some make nice looking covers to cover the hole they cut to get to the nuts. I just screw a vent over the hole when done. There should be near 27 square foot of foam in the boat. More or less, depending on which boat you have. They can be cut and formed to fit tighter under the vee berth, and other places, to give you more storage room. The big blocks under the cockpit help hold up the cockpit floor, keep them tight against the floor over them. It's nice to know you won't sink. Bolt the keel down after you lower it, and it's a nice simple boat that won't leave you stranded. Unsinkable, self righting, safe and simple. Great first sailboat. Oh, for the replacement wood block in the bow, Mahogony is what the original was, oak is easier to find and cheaper, and I believe it's stronger too. I just cut a piece from a branch at the house, can't get cheaper than that.