Hello,

 

First post to forum but had a question or two one repair.  

 

Preface - 12/21  Last Saturday central Michigan experienced an ice storm that knocked out power, destroyed property, and pretty much made a general mess.  It has not gotten warmer so there's still the threat that any wind will cause more damage as the trees still have alot of ice on them.  Anyways, the neighbors gigantic oak dropped a branch the size of a normal tree onto my wife's newly built wood duck crushing it, the aluminum trailer, and the family's other rotomold boats.

 

I had wrapped the wood duck up in a tarp like a burrito because I had gotten to the point of final sand down/first varnish when the weather changed and the place I was originally doing finish work got sold.  I.E. 3/4 way done...  It's still under the tree and wrapped up so I really don't know how bad it's been broken but once it's safe  - I plan on cutting up the tree branch and pulling what I'm hoping isn't a "Viking funeral pire" out of the tarp.

 

So here's the question:  

 

1.  Depending on break points, can I simply cut the panels out with a keyhole saw and stitch in again a new panel in then fiberglass?  Or would it' bulk out and look "funny"? (Guess I'm not out anything if it does...)

 

Given it's the holidays and the monster out back could kill someone until the ice melts, it might be a while until I post back with some pictures of what's left.  It really was a beauty of a boat but even if it's gone - the memories of building it at the Great Lakes Boat Building School and hours love put into it will always remain.  I am also greatful that no one got hurt and that insurance might help out towards replacement. Not to mention I have power and heat in my house so I can type this up.

 

Merry Christmas,

 

Sean Evans

Lansing