Tornado Under deck layout?

[Daibheid]

Would anyone happen to have pictures or details of what a 5.3 or indeed any Tornado looks like with the deck off/opened up or under construction please?

I've a repair that would benefit from internal access so thought I'd ask before cutting blindly. Tornados have been around for so long I reckon someone's had to replace a diver damaged deck or decided to put in an underfloor tank and might have pix.

If anyone has any advice on the best approach to gaining access and making the deck good afterwards I'd appreciate it. A hatch is not an option.

I plan to work my way along with a reciprocating/sabre saw so hope to feel any bulkheads and stringers before I cut through them. If I can cut it out neatly I should be able to glass in some support under the deck, stick the cut-out back in and then fill the saw slit etc.

Last time - not long enough ago either- I saw the under deck of a Rib the bulkheads were not attached to the deck so I'm hoping Tornados are the same.

[Bigmuz7]

Hmm .. the one Ive got just now of that size looks totally solid .. what gone wrong with yours ?

[Fr@nky]

Maybe you can use a circular saw to cut out the deck.
Most circular saws are able to set into depth.
In this case you won't damage anything under the deck.

[Daibheid]

Originally Posted by Bigmuz7

Hmm .. the one Ive got just now of that size looks totally solid .. what gone wrong with yours ?

Looks like a length of chine got wiped off previously on a slipway or similar and instead of a proper GRP repair it got filled/hidden. With the GRP matt integrity compromised a significant amount of stiffening strength was gone so it split under duress.

[Daibheid]

Originally Posted by Fr@nky

Maybe you can use a circular saw to cut out the deck.
Most circular saws are able to set into depth.
In this case you won't damage anything under the deck.

I'd still like to know where the various members are if I can rather than cutting in blind. I could use the circular saw but they leave a very wide cut and I'm hoping to just glass the cut-out back in so narrow is better. I'll prob use a sabre/reciproactating saw - lean it near horizontal and it'll cut very shallow. It also has more 'feel' if I run into something.

[Jizm]

You could try Laurence? at Barnett Marine in Welwyn, they used to have a alot to do with them I think. Have you tried Tornado direct?

[Daibheid]

Originally Posted by Jizm

You could try Laurence? at Barnett Marine in Welwyn, they used to have a alot to do with them I think. Have you tried Tornado direct?

That's a good idea - thanks. I know tornado have changed their supply chain a lot but someone there might have some helpful info. I'll email 'em now