I am getting ready to start making decisions and buying fiberglass supplies. I am re-doing the floor and stringers in my 77 Fiberform 18'.<br /><br />The way the boat was built before:<br />The stringers (2) look like they are 2x6 wood. They were held in with chopped glass that went about halfway up the side of the wood. They were not encased. They were not bonded to the hull with epoxy or anything. Then came some kind of plywood floor, maybe 1/2", on the stringers with no mechanical fasteners. On top of that was ~1/8" layer of either chopped glass or a glass mat. The foam, I'm guessing 4 pound, was everywhere. The boat ran last year, so I guess it could be said it lasted 25+ years. Another 25 would be great, because if I'm around then, this boat will be the last thing on my mind.<br /><br />The choices are getting confusing to me on where to proceed.<br /><br />What I am wanting to do is make new 2x6 stringers and set them on the floor where the old ones were. Then I would fiberglass them to the floor with maybe 2 layers of poly fiberglass on 10 oz plain weave cloth, I would encase them. The fiberglass would overlap the floor about 3 or 4 inches on either side of the stringer. I decided on poly fiberglass because that's what the rest of the boat is built with and that is the only thing left of it that was good.<br /><br />Then I would build the floor out of plywood, undecided if it will be "marine" plywood, 1/2". I am undecided on how I would treat the bottom of the plywood, would a coat of poly resin do anything or just break off? Then the plywood would go on the stringers with no mechanical fastener. Over that I was thinking I would do 2 layers of 10 oz plain weave cloth. After that's done I would add the 4 pound foam. <br /><br />Are there any suggestions for improvment here? I understand that epoxy, bi-axiel cloth, epoxy stringer to floor, etc is superior, but is what I am planning already better than the way it was done before? I mean, weather the boat lasts 25 more years or 125 more years really makes no difference to me. What I am trying to say is I want it to be "good" and "right," but I don't want to spend more than I have to.<br /><br />Thanks in advance for any suggestions.<br /><br />Pat
j/k Crabby<br /><br />For example.. Fit and stick/glue them stringers down (thickened epoxy or even polyester) to the hull before you glass em' in... Makes a huge difference...<br /><br />Completely glass over the stringers, not just halfway up the sides... You'll spend a bit more for supplies there, but not much more, and again, big difference... <br /><br />Ditch the 10oz cloth... That stuff has no business in a boat, especially where structural integrety is involved, like stringers... Use two layers of 1708 bi-ax followed up by a layer or two of heavy mat...<br /><br /> 2" x whatever size" kiln dried Douglas fir is great for stringers.. Usually can get very good straight knot free pieces at your local lumber joint, w/o costing an arm and a leg...<br /><br />The floor... Plywood.. Marine is good, and there is another grade thats just as good for a little less$$$ (can't remember the grade)... If you go with polyester, use a layer of heavy mat on the bottom of the floor followed by brushing on a thick coat of gelcoat.. That'll seal it up plenty good.. Pay particular attention too the edges of the plywood.. coat the edges real good.. <br /><br />Stick that floor down to the stringers with some 3M 5200 or some thickened epoxy for a glue, and use plenty of screws too (screws are cheap).. Tape the edges of the floor too the sides witha layer of bi-ax, or just use plenty of mat... A couple layers of mat on the top of the floor is plenty.. The glass on top of the floor is really only there as a protective layer for the wood...<br /><br />4lb foam is overkill.. 2lb foam is fine...<br /><br />Good luck Gentlemen... 