Testing to destruction

One of my first post I mentioned some of the other boats I've built. (I'm a serial boat builder). One that sat in the harsh WA weather for nearly 3 years had rotted so badly I decided to cut it up and haul it to the dump. It was a good chance to look at where the wood failed as well as the construction durability.

The extent of the delamination. Even marine plywood has limits--this boat was outside, uncovered for 3 years with "protected with two coats of latex exterior house paint (I won't do that again).

The Seat fillets were still strong.

Doublers and siliconed plastic hatches stayed dry and strong.

 A good look at the tape and seam cross section--no rot.

 The top of the dagger board and seat did not have doublers and were only varnished to protect the end grains. Even though the boat was upside down--it obviously wasn't enough. Epoxy seal your end grains!

Enjoyment

This is mostly about using the dory to explore South Puget sound near Nisqually reach. It was a warm, clear blue day with a 14 foot tide and gentle winds except for kicking up to about 12 knots or so for an hour or so. I rowed down a small river, across the reach and back, a total of about 8 miles in mostly near calm water except for some strong currents and just enough wind to kick up some 1 foot waves. Hardly a good test or her full capabilities, but an excellent way to get used to the boat and take some nature pictures--what I built the boat for.
I did get around to weighing the boat and was delighted to find it was only 69 pounds.

Some pictures of my day.