I also like hi-res photos, as long as they are attached and not "in-line".

I was wondering about how I would repair such a damage to a compounded plywood boat. The hole in the bow I can see a way to fix, but rebuilding a bow from scratch? Sounds like a major operation to me where it would be easier to build a new hull. Or ?
From the pictures it looks like the ply has been exposed to sun and weather for some time..


Was the broken bow due to hitting the bottom? Are the materials and construction method at their limits since it broke that way, or was it due to stress in an unanticipated direction? I suppose the boat was sturdily buildt to meet the F-18 min. weight.

Sorry, robi. I sail, I don't work on computers <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

A load baring marine ply core and glass layered on both the inside and outside. Pretty much a sandwhich construction but with ply instead of foam. In effect, it was overbuild with respect to other ply boats, made possible by the high weight limits of the F18 class.

Wouter

Wouter is 100% correct regarding construction.

I was competing alongside the owner of the boat when it was damaged. This event was caused thru bad judgement & reckless sailing. As builder of this boat, the hulls can be repaired, but I doubt you would stuff around unless you are looking for a cheap F18 platform that was a prototype.

The missing bow is probably still stuck in the mud & now probably home to the famous "carp" in lake alexandrina.