Re-using existing stringers.

[swampboy]

I have been tearing out the rotten floor of the "Old Gulfstream". In some areas the top one to two inches have some bad wood. The stringers may be made of "Mahagany". I've noticed that the stringers have been drying out pretty good. Even the "Bad Wood" is drying out. I intend to rent a portable heater and further dry the stringers. I will treat the wood with some Anti-Freeze". and dry it out again. If all looks well I will replace the bad wood and "Encapsulate" it with fiberglass. Any other suggestions,, ideas etc. Has anyone had this experence..how did it turn out???Thanks.. " Refering to the top one to two inches of the stringers have some bad wood".

 

[lowkee]

Re: Re-using existing stringers.

I guess I'm just puzzled as to why you would want to reuse the stringers. If you are to the point where can remove and replace them.. why not? The stringers were one of the easier bits of my restore. Sure, it requires some creativity to scribe a line on the new stringers, but otherwise they are pretty darn easy.

 

[drewpster]

Re: Re-using existing stringers.

It is my understanding that rot is caused by bacteria in the wood. If that is true it seems to me that even if you cut out and replace the bad wood you still run the risk of rot in the remaining wood. I know that mahogany is used in boats because of its resistance to water and its longevity. I can see why you would want to keep it. Another consideration is how wet the wood is. The wood needs to be completely dry before any fiberglass is applied to it. this could take months. Even treated wood is normally dried before use under glass. If the boards are completely wet it is unlikely that when they dry they will hold there shape.
If it were me, I would build new stringers and keep the mahogany for some fine cosmetic pieces. (trim or such) I?m sure aged mahogany would finish beautiful. (after it is dry of course)

 

[swampboy]

Re: Re-using existing stringers.

It is my understanding that rot is caused by bacteria in the wood. If that is true it seems to me that even if you cut out and replace the bad wood you still run the risk of rot in the remaining wood. I know that mahogany is used in boats because of its resistance to water and its longevity. I can see why you would want to keep it. Another consideration is how wet the wood is. The wood needs to be completely dry before any fiberglass is applied to it. this could take months. Even treated wood is normally dried before use under glass. If the boards are completely wet it is unlikely that when they dry they will hold there shape.
If it were me, I would build new stringers and keep the mahogany for some fine cosmetic pieces. (trim or such) I?m sure aged mahogany would finish beautiful. (after it is dry of course)

got the idea to repair and use the original stringers from the Rot Doctor. But I tend to agree that since I'm already this far along it would make sense to use new dry wood..What type of wood do you suggest? Thanks for your help..

 

[micks110]

Re: Re-using existing stringers.

The boat guy at the place I go recommended that I use spruce for my stringers. After doing some internet searching on it I found that it is used quite a bit in the marine industry and it is reasonably priced too at a lumber yard.
Mick
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=365820

 

[BobsGlasstream]

Re: Re-using existing stringers.

Most folks here just use 3/4" PT Plywood or exterior grade 3/4" plywood.
Then glass them completely to seal them.
Bob

 

[noworries79]

Re: Re-using existing stringers.

Great thread. My father and I are at the same stage. The stringers are a little rotten on our project as well. He seems to think that they can be dried, while I think they need to be replaced since we are going through the trouble anyway. Why take the chance when a little more effort could last a couple of decades or more?

 

[jonesg]

Re: Re-using existing stringers.

Unless its 8 inch thick white oak...just replace with laminated ply completely saturated with resin , I like to pre-glass then install with PL bedding, more glass and resin.

its kinda like re-installing your timing belt , why bovva.

 

[swampboy]

Re: Re-using existing stringers.

The boat guy at the place I go recommended that I use spruce for my stringers. After doing some internet searching on it I found that it is used quite a bit in the marine industry and it is reasonably priced too at a lumber yard.
Mick
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=365820

Thanks for the info about the spruce. I would prefer to use a solid wood product than ply for the stringers. My transom needs to be replaced . Should I do my stringers and floor first and then the transom? I'm not going to remove the "Cap". The boat will stay on the trailer while I do the repairs.