Stbd Hull

The new Stbd Hull panel tacked in place. Note the new and improved quarter panel!

Stbd Hull Panel

After a little deliberation, I decided to replace the Stbd Hull panel too. I simply reversed the original template (however I did need to modify it slightly as nothing on a boat is exactly symmetrical!). After I was happy with the fit I used the template to cut the panel out of a full sheet of ply.

I bought some new "quick grips" and they really proved their worth here.

I also made up the Stbd quarter panel while I was at it (the old one was a disgrace-someone used 6mm ply and packed it out with car body filler....).

Now all that remains is to drill the rest of my fastner holes, countersink them all and "glue and screw" the lot.

Quarter panel

After careful measuring, I've now fitted the port side quarter panel. I used a bit more MDF packing to make up a template first. It just needs a little bit of a final trim before being glued into place.

If only!

Here's another original sales poster, this time for one of the later GRP MK 3 models. Interestingly enough, the price on there seems to be about the going rate on e-bay forty years later! Could that be deemed as holding their money........................?

Clean buttstraps!

It's imperative to clean all of the old veneers and glue residue from the buttstraps before bonding the new ply. It's a little time consuming but critical for a firm bond.

Not very sticky glue.......

Over time, the rot has rendered the glue between the topsides and the frame completely useless. As you can see the old ply just peeled away effortlessly with the point of a chisel!

Work begins again!

Finally, work can begin again. I've had shed trouble again, but she's firmly back indoors again. I've re-begun in earnest by removing the starboard hull panel. Only the top section of this panel was actually rotten, however I preferred the idea of a complete new panel than patching things up.