Boats Being Fixed- resend with photos correctly oriented :)

Erwin M. fixes broken rib on the Vespoli 4. (I figured out how to orient the photos- so Im sending this post out agian so you can see this great work! :)

In early January, Erwin (with some help from Gayne), removed a cracked rib from the Vespoli 4 PORPA is borrowing from Spokane River Rowing and replaced it. Working on a rowing shell takes precision and care. It helps to be able to reach into small spaces too.  

Removing the cracked rib (bolted and glued in) was hard but took a careful touch so as to not punch a hole in the thin hull. Hardest part was getting the rib to separate due to the glue. Using about 10 different tools (including a hack saw blade and a chisel), it finally broke loose without causing damage to any other parts of the boat (whew!).  

We fitted the new carbon fiber rib (purchased from Vespoli) and sanded and cleaned the area. After drilling the bolt holes out a bit, we donned vapor reduction masks and applied the special (highly vaporous and expensive) glue lightly to hold it in place as we bolted it to the structure under the seat. After being clamped for a day, Erwin re-attached the rigging hardware. Voila! 

Nice work Erwin, thanks for bringing your expertise to PORPA's boat maintenance needs.

Reminder: PORPA Boat moving (from the Kootenai County Fairgrounds  to Preist River) on Saturday 28 March.