Best way to remove plywood from Fiberglass?

[sailor ja]

What would be the best way to remove some of the plywood from my 1974 V21 from the fiberglass hull? As I begin modifying the layout I want to remove some sections and build new ones up. Does anyone have an Idea of how they bonded the plywood to the fiberglass and the safest way to remove it without damaging the fiberglass?

[K9Kampers]

You are likely to be looking at a bond using fiberglass tape & resin. Use a sawzall to remove most, then use an angle grinder with appropriate blades to cut off remaining, then grind down to flush.
Before starting, consider leaving some of these bond points in place so that you can attach new work to an existing wood tab to save yourself from having to re-glass to the hull.

[smoyer]

Also keep in mind that the plywood forms strength in the hull, especially at the V-Berth. I have a '72 V21 and it looks like (after the hull was released from the mold) a single layer of glass fabric was laid in the joint between the hull and the plywood and then fastened in place with a generous about of resin.

If you're rearranging you boat, also beware of removing too much of the flotation foam (see the story of Chiquita's sinking!).

[sailor ja]

Also keep in mind that the plywood forms strength in the hull, especially at the V-Berth. I have a '72 V21 and it looks like (after the hull was released from the mold) a single layer of glass fabric was laid in the joint between the hull and the plywood and then fastened in place with a generous about of resin.

If you're rearranging you boat, also beware of removing too much of the flotation foam (see the story of Chiquita's sinking!).

I definitely don't want to remove floatation devices but maybe streamline them by vacuum sealing the foam or using different floatation methods. For the most part I shouldn't have to take out any of the wood at the joints. I am hoping I can modify everything leaving most of the existing joints. and of course if I do go cutting into the V-Berth plywood I am thinking of making a metal angle framed Jig to keep the structure while I do the work. How much do you think a 2'x2' hole in the wood above the v-berth would effect the structure? It would be framed and have a hatch cover back in its place.