[Rhodes22-list] The Destruction is Complete

[The Rhodes 22 Email List]

Brad,
Sorry for your loss but much appreciate the report!  There has to be something strangely gratifying (?) about taking a chainsaw to a boat.  Did you take any pictures?

And now that the job it done I hope you realize your decision to forego the restoration of this hull was the right one and that you'll find another to restore.

Rob Lowe


-----Original Message-----
From: rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org [mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org] On Behalf Of The Rhodes 22 Email List
Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2014 8:37 AM
To: The Rhodes 22 Email List
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] The Destruction is Complete

Well, I finished up parting out the Rhodes yesterday. It was sad really, I've never done that to a boat before. When I fired up the chainsaw to cut it in two, I thought twice (...three....four....five....) times about doing it. While I was doing it though, I found out some interesting things.
I have never talked to Stan, but I would believe he is a good man. My boat was made in Wichita Ks, and I read an article where he said there were quality control issues. Well, I tend to agree. but instead of taking the money a running he kept trying to build a better boat. Good on ya Stan.
Here are some of my observations from the older (1974???) boat.
No backing plates- I understand that on a thicker fiberglassed area, but these were on thin area of fiberglass Mixed fasteners- I realize some may have been replaced in the 40 years boat has been around, but they would have stainless machine screws and steel washers and nuts consistently throughout the boat.
What Core??- I have become a believer in solid fiberglass boats. This core in the fiberglass was completely gone from the tip of the bow, to the stern end of the cabin, including the cabin top and mast step. It also made me appreciate the work Graham has been doing.... I'm a handy guy, but replacing the core is a Herculean task.
Great Plywood!!- All the plywood used in the cabinetry was marine  grade and held up well. I'm sure the interior of the boat was full of water at one time, and this stuff came through with flying colors. One other note about the counter area and front divider. I thought it was ingenious how they made this structure so rigid with only two or three attachment points to the hull. You could almost take out the whole galley if you could fit it through the hatch!!
Easy access to centerboard fittings and centerboard pin- I don't know if they changed it, but this was one of the easiest swing keel, I've ever worked on There were other things that I can't think of right now. I have to admit, even with all those things that I perceived as weaknesses, the old Rhodes last registration sticker was in 2010, so she did her job for 36 years and that in itself is an accomplishment!!
If it sounds like I'm bashing the Rhodes 22 or General Boats, I'm not. In fact, I would absolutely love one of the solid core boats they make now. All in all, I can see how they were easy to work on and the newer boats construction is light years above the one I had. Brad Bachelor

Marrying an old bachelor is like buying second-hand furniture. -- Helen Rowland 1875-1950, American Journalist __________________________________________________
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