Morgan OI 413 steel support corrosion

[CaptainForce]

Like, as I assume all boat owners, I tend to obsess with concern over what I percieve to be the weak links within the structure of my vessel until I learn enough to resolve the problem. I've owned my 1973 OI-41 ketch since 1985 and I've yet to understand the full purpose and structural risk of the continued corrosion of the steel supporting plate that is bolted to the front of my engine oil sump and the bottom of the bulkhead separating the engine room from the galley. Marine surveyors that have inspected the plate agree that it is not integral to the support of the motor mounts or the bulhead itself. My thoughts are that its function is to support the aft end of the galley floor. Eventually, as the corrosion continues, I may witness the effect of its failure, but I would rather know in advance. I have considered "sistering" supports to the existing plate or an expoxy encasement. Who else has seen this or has any insights to my problem?

[HorizonOI41]

Wire brush/sand/grind off all the loose rust and scales you can... spray/brush with a good quality rust convertor... make sure it is a rust convertor not simply a paint that inhibits rust. Keep an eye on it to see if it starts bleed rust stains again... repeat process if required. If it is really ate up with rust, expose as much of it as possible use the rust convertor and rebuild with epoxy and FG cloth. Trying to remove it for a complete replacment is a real pain in the tootoo. It was used because it was a cheap easy way to tie the bulkhead to the "ribs" in that particular location.