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Just about ready to wire the bottom hull panels to the keelson. All went well until I lost my balance and snapped off the bow end of the keelson. My plan is to grind back to the aft edge of the keel nose block and scarf in a new piece, about 2 1/2 feet worth. But maybe just grind all the way back to the front of the centerboard trunk for extra purchase surface? Anyone else had this kind of fun or other suggestions before I go at it this week?
Thanks for any comments,
Mike

Hi Mike,

I would simply glue (epoxy) the bit back on with a small backing of thin ply on top (or two small strips on either side of the centreboard case, depending on where it snapped off). Once the bottom panels are fixed, you can chisel/grind off some of this backing or bury the lot in the epoxy fillets later. There will be plenty of glass and epoxy on both sides of the hull for strength.

Cheers,

Peter

I think that would be a great way to lessen my work. But I already started to grind back for a new piece. Too big of a hurry I guess. Your idea still makes it easy to hold in place until the bottom skins are wired up and ready for fillets.
Thanks Pete, great idea.
Mike

I had a similar problem. I put too much rocker into the keelson where it sits on the nose block, so that the bottom panels would not fit properly. I simply cut the keelson away from the nose block (with a panel saw); reshaped the top of the nose block; and fitted a new piece of keelson. It worked fine - I wired in the bottom panels last night and they look great!

Steve

Thanks Steve,
Your and Pete's experience gives me some hope that I'll be able to get this fixed without sweating it out too much.
Thank you both,
Mike