Just tap around the exhaust port with a hammer. You will be able to hear the tone deepen if its rotted there. I had replace the core in this area. There is a guy on this forum “Rhapsody”. He gives great details on how to fix common problems. Very helpful.

I have heard about rot under stanchons, but they bolt thru solid fiberglass on this boat. The core in the deck and hull taper off to solid where the deck and hull bond together and the toe rail bolts on. Maybe the water intrusion source is from somewhere else?

The jib track is set up for the class 163% and the 140%. Shouldn’t need a longer track unless you are buying used sails from other boats.

For me the longer keel is a dream. Rod realized it was too small and added 6” to it on the J29. Just wonder how much better J30 would sail. Definitely not worth the change.

Thought about balancing the rudder, but I like how the tiller responds to sail trim upwind. The boat talks to you through the tiller. When the helm is neutral, she is in the groove. Its one of the things I love about the boat. But, It will build your biceps on a screaming reach. She tugs hard.