FRP side deck damage/repair
Looks like someone has dropped a mast or similar on 4435, a Winder 1. It has caused a dent in the starboard side tank just where you sit. The dent/chip has penetrated through the gel coat and a multi legged spider has formed running forward and aft and out to the gunnel, at least half a meter in each direction. It is rough enough to catch the wetsuit but I have yet to determine if the tank is airtight or not. I presume it will need to be fixed rather than covered up until the end of the season. Has anyone got any ideas on suitable repairers? Or would sending it back to Winder boats be the best solution? Although a 20 year old hull, it has few marks on it and had hardly been used when I bought it two years ago. Mast, sails rigging all updated now.
Tim and Richard, thank you for your comments above. I must admit to being a little daunted by the repair procedure you suggested Tim, but basically the advice was spot on. I did chicken out of doing the job myself. The answer was in these very pages; next post down concerned wooden Solos and mentioned J J Boats, near Diss in Norfolk. Some other Blakeney Sailing club members are having restoration work done by James to a composite Seafly; investigation of his website shows he works on almost anything and the results are stunningly good. So, Solo 4435 had a little trip down to James and is now fixed and looking good again. James also drilled some suitable holes and re-roped her for continuous lines. Real craftsmanship and a great guy.