1989 vip 18ft I/O stringer and motor mount modification

[russyoung26]

Hello everyone. First off I’m new to the site FYI. It would be easier if I could take a short video of my issues, is there a way to do that? I’m replacing my stringers but they don’t go all the way to the back. They stop where the motor mounts are or supposed to be. The mounts come out or inwards, about a 6x8 area and then a short piece of stringer I believe about 10 inches to the back of boat. Hard to tell exactly because of rot. One mount was completely gone and motor was setting on just glass. I cut the other mount out to see what if anything was left and to see how the mount blocking was constructed. It was 3-4 2x6 blocks stacked under the fiberglass. Can I simplify this by using a 4x6 or something along those lines. Looks like poor construction from the factory to me. Can I run my new stringers all the way to the transom as well as setting my motor mount blocking beside my stringers and run them to the back as well?

 

[Scott Danforth]

welcome aboard

start by reading the DIY stickies at the top of the forum, specifically links 14 and 18

your 30 year old boat is 15 years past its design life and needs a complete hull restoration. in addition to your mounting blocks, you will most likely need stringers, bulkheads, a transom and a deck.

boats in the 80's generally had poor construction practices. they were slapped together the cheapest way possible to get the boat out the door to make the company money. boats have a 15 year design life (they are intended to be used for about 15 years and replaced with new).

so prior to changing the design, you may want to inspect your transom, foam, etc. you are most likely in for a complete restoration. again, go thru the two links I mentioned, lots of restoration info in there. watch all the videos, etc.

if you want to post videos, read the tutorial in the stickies in the rules and guidelines forums, however most of the time, a good set of photos is all that is needed. the key with the photo, we dont need closeups. we need you to stand back about 15 feet from what you are trying to take a picture of

 

[russyoung26]

Thanks for the reply Scott! I’ll definitely look over the notes you spoke of. Your right the boat needs complete restoration and that’s what I’m attempting. Foam is soaked. I’ve got some removed already. Didn’t expect a transome issue but yep found a problem yesterday. Was going to try and work around the motor at first until I realized the mounts where gone so pulled motor and was looking at the inner transom assembly? And it looked pushed in so grabbed a screw driver and it went straight in! I removed all the transom assembly to access the situation. There’s the wood that goes completely across and then a section that’s square about 3x3 stapled onto the inside, that’s the one rotting. I’ve already separated most of that one and believe most of the rot was contained there. Since the deck, foam, and stringers are out do you think it’s wise to replace that board with same dimensions as the complete transom board and fasten? Or just cut it to original?

 

[Scott Danforth]

just cut like original. most of the time the blocks are a bunch of plywood glued together.

 

[russyoung26]

Good evening everyone. After a lot of cutting and inspecting I’ve concluded the whole boat needs redone. I have a few questions but can’t seem to post pictures. I get an error saying they are over 20mb. I’m on a iPhone and did read the how tos on posting pictures but no go here. I also seen an update and most common way to post pictures but I get a message saying I’m not authorized to view that page.

 

[russyoung26]

I can upload photos to an idea book just fine and it reads see below attachment to post on forums but I see no attachment. I keep getting file exceeds php 20mb limit. Also since I’m doing complete transom, stringers, and deck replacement should I start a new thread? Can I change the name of this one?

 

[russyoung26]

Ok getting this stuff down! I have a box/shelf on both sides of the boat that only has one cup holder. It has wood sides and top with foam inside. The deck goes right up to it but not under it, it appers to be setting on about a 1/4 inch of glass. Is this box/shelf acting as a stringer? Do I have to remove it? As you can see it would be a job and has spray foam on top attached to side of boat and then the carpet was glued to that. I need to do more cutting tonight to see if the transome goes behind it.

 

[russyoung26]

[No message]

 

[chevymaher]

Looks like they were using it as a stringer to me. Everything comes out down to glass.

 

[chevymaher]

Oh pm a moderator they will change the title for you.

 

[kcassells]

Sits on the deck, looks more like a box, prob loaded with foam? I'd rip it out in any event.
Have at it!

 

[russyoung26]

Thanks for the replies guys! I did some more demo last night and removed a section of the box and yes it is full of foam. I made it down to the transom that was rotted pretty good. After I removed the side of the transom I discovered a big hole filled with foam that goes to a little wing on the back of the boat as seen in the pictures. How can I properly seal the new transom? I wont be able to tab in that area because the foam shoots out the top as well. Cut that big ball of foam off and lay down a big sheet of glass over it all prior to transom install? If I do that the transom wont lay true against back of boat. I'm nowhere close to that point but would like to get an idea in my head.

 

[kcassells]

Need a pic little futrther back That blob of foam looks like it comes out of the bench we were discussing. All that stuff needs out. Then focus on transom.