AMF Puffer Repair-Replace all wood?

[wmatthewt]

I have a 78ish AMF Puffer, recently acquired, that needs the wood replaced around the dagger board slot. My question is do I need to replace all the wood as originally on the boat or could I go back with a piece around the dagger board slot and not tie it back in to either side. This would leave the front of the boat "open." Would this seriously weaken the boat? I am in Mississippi sailing in a 850 acre lake and a 33,000 acre reservoir.

Please excuse my lack of expertise and for using improper terminology, as I am new to sailing.

I attempted to search Puffer and AMF Puffer and did not find anything in the forums.

Thanks,

Matt

[David Luckenbach]

Tie it in just like it was. The daggerboard slot is under a lot of stress when sailing so it's needs the strength.

[wmatthewt]

Thank you very much. This is site is a great resource, as I have searched and found advice on rigging, refinishing, and sailing 101. Thank you.