: Well, I'm back to working on the rebuild. I strayed from working on it so I
: could finish beautifying my backyard. The next step for the rebuild is to
: rebuild the stern and bow. As you can see by the pictures this will not be
: an easy job. Or will it? There are two pictures, one of the bow and one of
: the stern. Does anyone have an idea as to how I can proceed. I do have
: ideas but I want to know if anyone has an easier idea. Paul, here's
: incentive for you to help me get the yak done, assuming you want to paddle
: a Lightning 17 while you are in town. It is my thought to construct
: some kind of form using stiff heavy guage plastic sheeting cut to fit. I
: am thinking that if I screw two oversized pieces into the hull I can then
: trim the edges until I reach the desired keel size and shape. Once done, I
: can then fill the attached mould with well thickened epoxy (thickened to
: reduce total weight) and let it set. Once set, I would remove the plastic
: sheeting and sand the bow and stern to perfect the shape. After sanding, I
: would glass the keel as if I was building a new yak.

: I'm also thinking of being a little bit creative. This yak has a heavy
: endpour int he bow. I was thinking of using copper to edge the keel and
: add a sort of copper flame trail from the keel and over the sides of the
: bow, kinda like those old hot rods that had the orange flames painted on
: either side of the engine compartment. I plan on giving the kayak its
: original paint job so it should look pretty good when it is done. Hold on
: a minute, with all the patching I have done I suppose I just might have to
: add a little more paint to cover up past mistakes.

: Robert N Pruden

Hi Robert,

Since you have a solid end pour you could attack it like most guys do their strip built boats. Saw it down past the damage and glue on a lamination of whatever woods you like then dress them to be the correct shape. If you don't like the look you can paint over it.

--KT--