Terri

The welder was correct in his description of welding the thin panels together. Just running a continuous bead would cause severe warping of the seam. He will tack a series of spots 4" or 5" apart over the length of the seam. Then he will return to the beginning and run a 1" bead after each spot over the length. Again he will return to the beginning and repeat welding in small increments until the seam is filled in.

He will not be able to weld near any fiberglass materials. They would be destroyed by the heat.

Gard

      I'm in the middle of the desert.  An internet/mail order supplier would be good to have.  No marinas of anysize around here, there are a few lakes a couple of hours away, but most of what is sold there is gas, oil and beer. 

     I'm going to do the fiberglass part myself come summer.  I can have the welding done then too. That way the fiberglass part can be off and being repaired at the same time.  I've got LOTS of powertools.  I LOVE power tools.   My husband knows when I buy tools for him they are really for me.   

   I've got a big sort of dome shaped steel building (40x50) I'm going to put the trailer in while I am working on the nose.  It will protect me from the wind and sun and the trailer from blowing sand or the ocassional lost rain drop.  It has 20ft wide doors, 2 of the turbine roof vents and a swamp cooler that I can turn on for ventilation of any fumes.   We have a nice long workbench along one wall to set projects on.

The PERFECT WIFE. A woman with power tools and the knowledge to use them. Guys all across America are eating their hearts out. Gas, food, beer what else is there?

Your building will be perfect for the repairs. You don't want dust flying about when you're laying up glass and you need protection from the elements. Glass work has to be accomplished within specific temperatures, 60 deg -75 deg is best.

I'll get some stuff together and IM you for specifics.

Gard