Heat Fair / Fare Steel Hull Distortions

[anglooff]

When I bought my steel ketch there was a distortion in both the port and starboard bow area (buying price adjusted accordingly). Serendipitously a previous PO and I met in Bonaire and explained the distortion. Seemingly, about fifteen years ago he had a welder cut out (while boat was in the water) pieces from both sides of the anchor box. The welder used too much heat and melted/ distorted the aforesaid areas.

See photos below (taken to show worst possible views).



My elder brother is a retired professor of naval architecture and we were discussing the various possibilities. His original thought was to find an expert welder who could heat fair/fare (hot/cold) the areas to coaxes it back into better shape and then something like Epomast pro filler could be used to further enhance aesthetically.

My questions stem from the fact that I shall be sailing later this week in Curacao and a friend has lined up two expert welders to view the boat. So my questions are predicated on the fact that in this part of the world (including Curacao) everyone if asked if they can do a job say yes. I need to know some of the answers, before asking the questions to have a better understanding as to the competence of those I meet.

1. Generally, what is best practise methods in the process?
2. Assuming I can be assured of the skill of a welder is the process worthwhile?
3. Can Epomast pro filler or any other recommended product work sufficiently well to negate the need of a welder. (I am about to paint the hull, with two part paint and particularly concerned that filler over the area needed would be inherently unstable.

As always your expert input, would be greatly appreciated.

Regards

Alan

[anglooff]

Sorry somehow the photos didn’t link so am trying again.


http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/members/6772-albums899-picture5938.jpg

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/members/6772-albums899-picture5939.jpg

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/members/6772-albums899-picture5937.jpg

Regards

Alan

[boden36]

Alan, you're right, it looks pretty ordinary. On the otherhand it will not weaken the boat or spoil her sailing qualities. I suspect that without replating the area, any intervention is likely to make things worse. Dark paint hides many sins!
Regards, Richard.