I finally found the time to look at my 3 yr old MiniCup with cracked
top and decided to cut part of the front top off too get to what I
suspected was rot in the forward compartment. MY GOD, it was as moldy
as New Orleans after Katrina. If I hadnt done this I dont think she'd
have lasted much longer in spite of the inside being painted. Serious
rot in the centerboard box.
This is MiniCup #2, #1 had this done to a lesser degree early last
year. The crappy "Gorilla Glue" had absorbed water and all the joints
were soaked. This will require a heat gun to dry followed by some wood
replacement followed by soaking all with epoxy and re-assembly and
glassing her with 4 oz glass. My epoxy and glass skills have improved
after 10 months of building my Tolman Skiff so I will not hesitate to
do this.
This makes me wonder if it is time to re-design the MiniCup for modern
methods such as epoxy soaked wood covered with glass and stitch and
glue assembly. Such a boat would be lighter, stronger and longer
lasting.
I've had too much fun with these boats to allow them to rot so I'll
take the time to fix her.