We all know hull de-lamination is a common problem on old cats and there is plenty out there on fixing soft spots with the "drill and fill method". But here, I wanted to discuss the feasibility/practicality of an alternate approach. I'm talking about pulling the deck from the hull in order to get all the access you need to re-glass soft areas, strengthen key structural areas, etc. I have two main points to discuss:
1. Separation - I don't think the hull and the deck (let's say on an old H16) can be separated easily. (Or can it? You tell me) So what I thought about doing is using two old cats to make one. Step 1 - Find two sets of full hulls. Step 2 - Pick a hull with a good deck and cut/sand away the rest. Step 3 - Pick a hull with a good bottom and cut/sand away the deck. Step 4 - Do any repairs on either. Step 5 - bond the rebuilt cap from the first hull with the rebuild bottom from the second hull. Step 6 - Repeat on the other side. How does that sound? Has anyone tried this or found any articles on it? Any other thoughts?
2. Bonding - Let's assume this was a "go", what is the best way to bond the deck with the hull?
Context - I know additional weight might be an issue but this is not meant to be a racing boat. Just a fun cruiser that would be most of all, solid. Also, I thought about this because I see so many old cats out there with soft hulls, sometimes people just give them away. And the "drill and fill" method is not meant to rebuild the entire hull. So I'm wondering how feasible is this?
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Jake
H17
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