I finally removed the forward keel stringer. Since I couldn't get all the way down with the diamond cutter. I found it easier to cut it down the middle with the diamond to peel back the glass on each side and cut what you can then cut the wood. Getting most of the wood out will give you room to take the diamond cutter close to the hull then pry the rest of the wood out. As I got closer to the bow the wood was good so I left the top part attached. Everything will be fully encapsulated so it should be fine.





I packed several layers of 1.5 csm in the keel and topped it with a thick layer of 3610. I will pack this with spray core and foam core which will all be sanded smooth, then add another layer of 3610. I do plan on leaving the bow area open to be able to stuff a ballast bag up there. I will put a bulkhead on the fwd side of the cooler area with limber hole to allow any water to drain into the bilge. There will be a flat area where I can place a removable cooler. The built in was made of a plastic which is really discolored and is beyond cleaning.