can you over do it?

[mnmike3]

I started my winter project of rebuilding my 86 bayliner yesterday. going to tear it down to the bare hull and replace everything including stringers and transom. going to be a brand new boat that will hopefully last many many years when I get done.

My question is, I like to over build things allot of the time. Is there any reason to not over structure the stringers and braces under the floor? example: there are some triangle braces for the deck coming off the stringers (glassed in) that are just ply wood and I was thinking of using 2x4's, there are some 1x2s that span between the stringers and I was thinking of using 2x4's again and possibly doubling up the plywood that is in-front and behind the built in tank (I'm sure there will be more places I might want to overbuild too) I understand it will add some weight but not too much, is it worth it?

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: can you over do it?

I like to overbuild too..

I see nothing wrong as long and you pay attention to wieght distribution..

Also keep in mind of the next step..dont over lam your stringers if your floor base will be altered..

YD.

 

[mnmike3]

Re: can you over do it?

do you mean just make sure I keep the top of the stringers at the right height so the floor height doesn't change?

If so I plan to make a jig that will run across the top of the stringers before I remove the old ones and mark the floor height around the entire boat so I can have a reference to work off while putting in the new stuff.

as I type this I wonder if I can get everything level enough to run a laser level (one used for suspended ceiling) around the hull and mark my floor height that way...............hmmm..........

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: can you over do it?

do you mean just make sure I keep the top of the stringers at the right height so the floor height doesn't change?

If so I plan to make a jig that will run across the top of the stringers before I remove the old ones and mark the floor height around the entire boat so I can have a reference to work off while putting in the new stuff.

as I type this I wonder if I can get everything level enough to run a laser level (one used for suspended ceiling) around the hull and mark my floor height that way...............hmmm..........

Yup..thats what I mean .

Just remember the build up of the glass on any bulks or stringers..your working from bottom to top..not top to bottom . account for everything added to your ... ply/glass up and down..

Jigs and referance IMO is the way to go before ripping/sawing. Twine and tape works well too .. never actually Lasered my stringers..only my waterlines..

I like the idea though..

YD.

 

[mnmike3]

Re: can you over do it?

I am pretty good when it comes to woodworking but I have an ace in the hole, my dad has been a carpenter most of his life and now owns his own custom cabinetry business so I have all kinds of wood working tools to use, He is very very good at making jigs for just about anything wood related. once I get the rest of the interior removed he is going to help me make sure everything is measured and laid out so it will go back together the same way before I start cutting and grinding.

I was talking to him about the whole process today and he seems pretty excited to help out with the wood working part (not so much the fiberglass part though thats where my skills come in) also he said he is going to keep an eye out for a heavy duty sewing machine like what the use in shoe repair shops so we can redo the interior our selves, apparently he has a seen a few for sale somewhere in the past

 

[SC's Forever!]

Re: can you over do it?

MnM........I think we all have the same tendency too "over-do" when working on a project!!!! Its difficult for us to accept that the "factory" can produce a decent product.......Everything in the boat is engineered to "work" together.....If we go about changing things to "our" way of thinking, we may be making the boat "less" sea-worthy in the end.......Overbuilding can add extra weight rapidly, which results in less carrying capacity; greater load on the engine, using more fuel; pooer performance; and even affect how the boat reacts to the water............This is NOT a case where if 3/4" ply is good.....2"x4"'s are better!!!!
Just go slow and easy..........Jim

 

[wallybme]

Re: can you over do it?

Do not forget floatation, a critical piece to consider.

 

[mnmike3]

Re: can you over do it?

I was planning on building 90% or more the same way the factory did other than a few small places but i will definitely consider weight before I go changing what was originally there

I was also planing on replacing any flotation foam i removed. what is best to use for foam, we have a 2 part expanding foam that at work I was going to use, is there anything I should look out for and not use or is any old foam good?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: can you over do it?

Just make sure whatever foam you use is closed cell and will not absorb water.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: can you over do it?

I have seen Alot of stringer/deck/trans etc jobs from the Factory that were ... erm.. Simply put.. CRAP..

But we are NOT talking about the Factory..we are talking about those 8/hr glasshands that MAKE the boat..

Your boat was NOT built by Sea Ray..Bayliner..etc. It was built by Jim,joe,bob,nicky nancy etc... Sometimes with those cats coming into work on Monday... etc again.. .

Again..It may not be factory..it could be a PO or repair trunk slammer that has allready cheesed out something..

IF you see something suspect ( your going to have to use your judgement on this ) then you Might consider Beefing it up a little..

*shruggs*

YD.