Steam bend sheerstrake with scarf?

[TomHaven12]

I think its going to be necessary to steam at least the forward part of the sheerstrakes on my Haven 12 1/2. The problem is I have a scarf about 5 feet from the bow. Will the steam heat soften the epoxy in the scarf and cause a weakness or failure???

[Dan McCosh]

Most epoxies used by craftsmen start to lose strength at about 120 degrees F.--way below steaming temp.

[John Meachen]

Would you get away with steaming just the first four feet?It might be sufficient if the bend is most severe in this area.As said elsewhere,steam heat is likely to soften the epoxy so if it doesn't work you will need to find another piece of wood and make a replacement anyway.

[ChuckG]

yeah, steam will undo the epoxy, pronto.

Might you try the rags and hot water thing everywhere but on the scarf?

-cg

[landlocked sailor]

I had a similar situation on my Windward 15. I steamed the forward piece, screwed it in place and scarfed it on the boat. When I was happy with the fit I re-attached it permanently.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid134/p26de82e21eb04d328b1f8c802807a10e/f779d4f2.jpg
The scarf is hard to see without close inspection. Rick

[Bayboat]

Steaming an epoxied plank scarf is a no-no. The alternatives are to make the scarf on the boat after bending (as mentioned above), or to soak the scarfed plank in water. If no bay, creek or ocean is handy, you can build a shallow tank of cheap plywood and line it with hardware-store plastic. About a full day and night should be enough.

[TomHaven12]

I wound up steaming the first four feet for about 10 minutes. It worked out fine. Thanks for all the advice!

http://www.havenbuilders.com/myhaven/sheer/mysheer1b.jpg

http://www.havenbuilders.com/myhaven/sheer/mysheer9a.jpg