Progress on the Stern Deck removal

Managed to get a little work done in between hospital visits and other !@#$. Finished cutting the the port side deck off today. I decided to remove more of the rail cap so it would be out of the way while I figure out where the stairs go and how I am going to handle the transition from sun deck level to the existing rail level.

It is a slow and tedious job to get these bulwark caps off. They are screwed on every 9" and there is a sealant under them as well. The the holes where the screws are are filled with wooden plugs. So first you have to find the plugs and drill and dig them out. Next you have to clean the glue out of the slot (yeah slotted screws *&^%) in the hopes that the slot won't strip trying to back the screw out.

Here is a shot of the scarf joint showing one of the screws. There are two screws put in horizontally to hold the scarf together.
















They are 2-1/2" wood screws. It only took about 1-1/2 hours to get them out and the cap off. Glad that is over. Oh yeah did I mention that the cap is slotted on the bottom to fit over the top of the bulwark.

And not a lot of room to work on this side. The starboard side was not as bad because the ramp is on that side. I am hoping to get a way without having to erect scaffolding on the port side.

Cap rail off and ready to start cutting the side deck off.

Sorry did not take any pics while cutting the deck and inside of bulwark off. But here is the finished product.

the next step is to fasten a piece of 3/4" ply with Formica on one side. This will act as a mold to build up the hull to the sundeck level.












Here is the other side of the plywood showing the Formica.
So hopefully I will be able to add the "molds" for the other side and stern this coming week and begin glassing up the sides.