J80 winch attachment

[Rob 0]

I have J80 234 built in France. It developed a leak from the starboard winch attachment this summer. Previous owner changed to Harken 35.2 winches and did the reinforcement.  

I removed the plywood reinforcement and found a block of core foam. Weird as it may seem both the plywood and the foam has holes from attachment screws for original winch. My belief is that the previous owner first installed the foam and plywood and at a later date changed the winches. 

 

I would like to get back to as close to original as possible and unless the reinforcement is necessary remove it.

Has anyone done something similar? What does your attachment and/or reinforcements look like?

What does the below-deck solution look like on a stock J80?

 

Grateful for pictures or information.

Thanks

[charis 9]

Here's what it looks like on French boat 554

[Rob 0]

Thanks!

It looks like mine without the foam....