: Well, I managed to get two replacement panels tied to the hull today. I
: prepared for the tying by cutting the jagged edges off of the breaks using
: my Sawzall and a steel cutting blade (pic). Once all broken edges were cut
: straight leaving no splintered wood I used two 5' sections of 1 x 1/4 to
: align the hull sections (pic). I had to allow for a 26" gap between
: the bow and stern as this is the section of kayak that was torn out during
: my descent down the rapid (pic). Once I was happy the keel line was
: straight (pic) I used pieces of scrap Okhume plywood, 4 mm, to make two
: panels to fill in the 26" gap (pic). Over the next few days I will
: continue to add replacement panels to rebuild the hull. Once that is done
: I will cut sections for the sheer panel and careful eye all alignment and
: make certain the keel is straight and true. Once these replacement panels
: are all in place I will flip the yak over and begin repairs on the front
: bulkhead which was shattered near the top. I will cut out the broken
: sections and cut new pieces to fit. Bear in mind all replacement panels
: are countersunk in order to line them up with the original wood. Once in
: place, I will grind away the surrounding epoxy and glass (about 2 inches)
: in order to prep for the application of new glass patches. If anyone
: thinks I am missing something here please let me know, I wouldn't want to
: have to go back to the drawing board coz I forgot something too simple to
: think of.

: Robert N Pruden

YEESH! That must have been some ride. I couldn't help but notice the irony of the situation vis-a-vis Quebec/Canada unity... I'm glad you're able to patch things up. Maybe you should go visit Ottawa and Quebec City with your Sawzall and some epoxy.