[Rhodes22-list] Hit by a car, can my rhodes be saved?

[Alex McKenna]

The police picked up the driver a few minutes after the accident, they
intimated he was drinking, but said in CT they would be unable to prosecute
a DUI since he was no longer in the car, I just moved here, and don't know
the law. He has insurance through state farm, and actually came to our house
to apologize on Sunday. He said he was driving home late from work, I didn't
see any point in asking if he was drinking. English was not his native
language. He gave me his name and phone number, and offered to pay for all
the damage. I showed him the pictures, he was astounded at the carnage. 

I am waiting for the police report.

I got the boat as a gift last year from a fellow in New Jersey, and was on
the list then asking some questions about adapting my dual-axle aluminum
trailer, which is in very good shape, for the Rhodes. I welded up some
brackets, which worked fine for getting the boat home. I left it for the
winter, and was about to empty it out and start restoration this week, I had
made space in the garage for the contents.

Stan is not familiar with the boat, although we were trying to visit General
Boats on the drive up here from Florida.



>The good news is that the area that was hit hardest is probably one of the 
>best areas to have damage.  The impact must have lifted the entire boat and 
>trailer over the Honda's roof by the windshield, actually reducing the 
>potential damage by permitting the car to continue moving rather than 
>sustaining the force associated with arresting the car's motion.  Stresses 
>in this area are spread over a large area and the fiberglass is fairly
thin. 
>There are few structural components in this section other than the hull 
>itself.  

This is good news.

>Did the damage impact the stern cockpit or just the laz?  Does the 
>damage extend to the area hidden by foam?  Is the cockpit floor buckled? A 
>competent 'glass mechanic should be able to effect a solid repair if the 
>damage is mostly to the hull.  Stan should be consulted.

I haven't been inside the boat yet, we have just finished removing all the
dangerous debris, full of nails and glass fragments, to make the area safer
for our two young children. I will try to look at all this.


>Assuming that you might have some difficulty with the Honda owner's 
>insurance company, do you have insurance coverage on the boat?  Does your 
>auto insurance cover the damage since it was on the trailer (even if not 
>hooked to your car?)  Were the boat and trailer registered with DMV?   How 
>about your homeowner's insurance coverage?

Our homeowner's insurance will cover only $1000 of the damage to the boat.
We also have a $1000 deductible on the policy. The same company has our car
insurance, but the trailer is still registered in FL, and no insurance is
required in FL on the trailer. I have not registered the boat yet, as I did
not know when I would have it restored enough to sail. The hope was this
summer.

The Honda driver is insured by state farm. 

The boat is an '81, like yours.

I am interested in doing the repairs myself, if possible. That was kind of
the whole point in taking this sailboat, to enjoy restoring it so our family
could enjoy it together, especially since our kids are young, 3 and 6. 

I appreciate everyone's help and encouragement. We will sail a Rhodes 22,
one way or another.

Alex

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