Any Ideas on how to fix the gunwale on my skiff?

[juswannafish]

I am open to all suggestions I know there are a few different ways to approach this but I am asking for your honest opinions. I was reading the West System Fiberglass boat repair and maintenance http://www.westsystem.com/ss/assets/HowTo-Publications/Fiberglass-Boat-Repair-and-Maintenance.pdf and according to section 3.1 it seems i can possibly drill holes and inject epoxy into the rotted area. Does this seem correct or do I need to cut it completely out and replace that section. The rot seems to be isolated to only the starboard side about half the length and only in the middle section of the starboard side. The port side is perfect. Forgive me if i used any wrong terminology to describe what it is I am dealing with. Any help or advice would be appreciated.

 

[proshadetree]

Re: Any Ideas on how to fix the gunwale on my skiff?

from the looks of it i will assume that the gunwale is wood with a fiberglass cover. I would remake the section and replace rather than try to fill with epoxy. Cut off the old and use as a pattern and then use cloth to recover the new. Sister in to make a strong bond with the old gunwale. Paint or regelcoat and get to boating.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Any Ideas on how to fix the gunwale on my skiff?

I agree with removal and replace.

Looks like you may want to consider replacing the rub rail screws too, they look rusted out.

Don't be surprised if you find more rot elsewhere when you remove that rotted gunwale.