Convert 87 Cuddy to Open Bow

jjuriga

jjuriga

Junior Member
Here's my issue: Water intrusion from the bolts on the pulpit over time rotted the teak, yes the teak. It also** rotted the wood in between the fiberglass layers on the bow itself... So I have a major problem on my hands. What if... WHAT IF --- I cut the bow top piece right off and make an open bow out of it? Obviously a lot of work after cutting, but...



I could've sworn someone else did this years ago.. but cannot find it.



Any ideas?
 
I remember someone replacing the core from the inside, but not who. Seems like a pain in the tukus

Probably pick up a new V20 quicker and cheaper, but then u got the usual stringer,transom,fuel tank,etc. to deal with

Tough call JJ
 
phatdaddy said:
I remember someone replacing the core from the inside, but not who. Seems like a pain in the tukus

Probably pick up a new V20 quicker and cheaper, but then u got the usual stringer,transom,fuel tank,etc. to deal with

Tough call JJ
Click to expand...


Here's my current status: Everything but the engine is removed and taken off. EVERYTHING is being replaced. Every screw hole and spider crack is being repaired, then new gel coat, inside & out. I have a new gas tank waiting to install as well all the wiring and hardware.


That all being said.. I discovered this wood rot after removing the pulpit... needless to say, I have some work.
 
I have read some post on The HullTruth about some guys injecting Gorilla Glue in wood cores and stiffening them up with good results. Good thing is u do not need to dry out the wood, GG actually works better with damp wood. You could do it all from the top and then cover with Kiwi Grip in a mild nonskid.

Worst case, does not work, look like crap, you could still cut it out

YouTube might have something on this
 
cut the top skin and peel it off. try to keep it intact as much as possible and yuo might be able to reuse it
Don't cut thru the inside skin. Don't cut the hatch. Leave a 3" tab of top skin all the way around to tab to later. DON"T wrap over the edge...That will be a fairing nightmare

You'll probably find you can scrape out the plywood squares. Whatever doesn't come off the inside skin you grind off with 60 grit down to clean glass.

Replace the plywood... make a new sandwich of glas/resin/wood/glass resin.

If you are palnning on using gelcoat then DON'T use Epoxy resin, use Polyester.

There is a crossmember glassed in below. You might have to deal with that.

The deck is graded so water runs overboard. Keep that in mind.
 
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