C-Forum

Busted the inside ash gunwale on my Caption and I'm looking for input on how best to repair it.

You can see the damage in the photos at:
http://picasaweb.google.ca/nfried3/Brok ... lfP6y-O9JA#

Located about a third of the way from the stern on right side, the inside ash gunwale has cracked where a screw is and the head of the screw was pulled part way thru the ash. The screw to the left was also slightly pulled out, but there doesn't appear to be any damage to the ash gunwale.

I could:
1) Glue the ash and then add a couple screws to either side of the crack to strengthen the gunwale.
2) Cut out the damaged gunwale and replace with a new piece.

Any other suggestions? Which approach do you recommend?

Also, if replacing a part of the gunwale how long a piece should be replaced and what joint do I use to join with the gunwale?
What glue is recommended for ash gunwales?

Thanks,
Neil

Hey Neil,

I'd go with #1 because it's very easy, is probably good enough, and doesn't affect doing #2 if needed in the future.

I recently had a repair done on my Prospector, by a guy off Craigslist in Vancouver, he "scarfed" in a new section. Repair looks great, I was surprised that the angle of the scarf joints weren't very long, if you know what I mean.

Anyway, replacing the section is a way bigger job the putting a few screws. Call me lazy, but that's what I'd do!

Pat.

I would take out a section, half the width of the inner rail, half way to the next screw on either side. Make sure to bevel the ends. Then make a replacement piece, and glue in with a type III wood glue. It this work id done cleanly, it will be as strong as it ever was.

I once fixed damage like that by glueing a piece of ash over the damaged spot. The ends of the new piece were tapered smoothly to zero thickness. I filled the damage zone with epoxy and microfibers. Finally I moved the thwart forward a bit, drillng new holes on both sides.