Well, I managed to get two replacement panels tied to the hull today. I prepared for the tying by cutting the jagged edges off of the breaks using my Sawzall and a steel cutting blade (pic). Once all broken edges were cut straight leaving no splintered wood I used two 5' sections of 1 x 1/4 to align the hull sections (pic). I had to allow for a 26" gap between the bow and stern as this is the section of kayak that was torn out during my descent down the rapid (pic). Once I was happy the keel line was straight (pic) I used pieces of scrap Okhume plywood, 4 mm, to make two panels to fill in the 26" gap (pic). Over the next few days I will continue to add replacement panels to rebuild the hull. Once that is done I will cut sections for the sheer panel and careful eye all alignment and make certain the keel is straight and true. Once these replacement panels are all in place I will flip the yak over and begin repairs on the front bulkhead which was shattered near the top. I will cut out the broken sections and cut new pieces to fit. Bear in mind all replacement panels are countersunk in order to line them up with the original wood. Once in place, I will grind away the surrounding epoxy and glass (about 2 inches) in order to prep for the application of new glass patches. If anyone thinks I am missing something here please let me know, I wouldn't want to have to go back to the drawing board coz I forgot something too simple to think of.

Robert N Pruden