Removing Mast Step on a Venture 17

[JM3]

Hi-

I just bought a Venture 17 for day sailing and boat camping trips in the PNW.
It came with a aluminum mast step and I am trying to replace it with a tabernacle.
The mast step has 2 bolts through it into the compression post. I would assume that I just remove the bolts and the mast step should come off - but it seems like the bolts just turn and the mast step dosn't go anywhere. Its like an internal nut inside the compression post is spinning. Anyone know how to get the mast step off so I can replace it?

Thanks!

[timebandit]

Did you try pulling the bolts out? Maybe the post is rotted so bad they have no hold.

Rick