Hey BobbyFunn, You are so right about the need to remove all Rot! When I took off the bow hardware, I tested the screws to see if they felt firm as I tightened them. I will do it again before I go further, as I respect your suggestion that there may not be much of anything left underneath the Luran. If it's rotten, then I will likely trash the whole project for a while until I have the time, and motivation to do all the things you say to do. Obviously, you've been there, done that by your thoroughness. I'll test the screws again, and if they feel firm, I'm going to take your original advice from April 5.
Apr 5, 2020
#32
You are up north. If the sails are shot, buy new ones and go sailing with them until the hardware rips out. Sell the sails online afterwards.
Your April 5th approach is more my speed for now as I have many competitors for my time. One being sailing my wooden boat. I only paid $200 for this Hunter 146. It needs a new jib, and I need to find out if it's worth buying a new one. ( the old one can be temporarily repaired) It won't be sailed more than a half mile away from the pier, so if the bow plate rips out, I'll be fine. I can put it back in the barn, and go from there.
Thanks for your suggestions. I have total respect for anyone who has tackled these issues. I am learning as I go, and appreciate your knowledge bank on it all.
I'll let you know how I proceed after I test the firmness of the screws. Ric