My recently acquired DSII has a cuddy roof which is separated from the bulkhead. It is actually "torn" away with some pieces of laminate missing. I have one estimate for repair at $900 which seems pricey. I would like to return it to original shape but am wondering if I can cut the top away and add a structural aluminum cross-piece along the bulkhead. This would essentially be an open bow design similar to Mr. Fox's original. The aluminum can also be used to mount blocks, cleats, etc. If I do this, will the boat be "legal" for competition?
Does anyone have ideas of how to access the inside of the cuddy to bevel the parts to prepare for laying-up an FRP repair? I might be able to crawl inside, but it doesn't look like a normal size human could function in that space.
Is it possible to cut the deck just forward of the bulkhead and remove the the cuddy and foredeck? How do you release the deck to hull joint? If this can be done, the cuddy roof interior can accessed and repaired more easily.
Are FRP parts available such as cuddy and foredeck?...the whole deck and cockpit?
The boat is a 1978 and appears to be sound, but I have not done a thorough inspection. The spars are in good shape. Forestay has a broken strand. The sails look good in the house on the floor, but...
Sound or not, $900 is over half the value.