Pensacola FL Sailing Blog – sailingnightwatch

The bowsprit on the boat is made by laminating together 4 pieces of 8 quarter oak.  The original seams to have been glued together with Resorcinol glue.  About 4 years ago I noticed a soft spot on the top plank.  I decided that on a Saturday morning I would route out the soft area and epoxy in a new peace.  I felt the soft area was maybe 1-1/2” in and about 2-1/2” long.  We would then go sailing that afternoon.   Wrong, wrong, wrong.  The bow pulpit is bolted to a plank that is bolted to the bowsprit.  I had removed them during the week.  When I got into the project, the rot was past the middle of the board to within ½” from the sides and about 4’ of its length.  So much for sailing.