Making new parts

Once all the damage was cut away new panels had to be fabricated to begin the rebuild process.

The bulkhead was removed and used as a template for its replacement. This was relatively straight forward as it was a flat panel. 

Next were the two panels that formed the lower portion of the bow. I had one reasonably intact panel that I used as a template then mirrored it to form the shape of the other side.

Once both panels were made it was a case of cable tying them together and using some forms glued in place so they would sit at the right angle. This would prove to be one of the trickiest parts of the rebuild.

As I didn't have a full snub nose panel I visited a yacht club where I could make a cardboard template of a complete panel. I found the assistance of Albert Sailing Club (Melbourne) members very helpful.

Using this template and the remnants of the panel, I was able to construct the snub nose the dinghy. On the above picture the line through the template is where the cut was made on the hull. I had to make the right hand side portion and attach it to the cleaned up hull. Once this was in place I could assemble the two lower chines onto the bulkhead. It was starting to take the shape I was hoping for.