Need some help with getting the wood out of an engine mount and stringer

[vetting]

I took all of the old wood out under the bunks in the bilge but cutting the entire bunk out. However, when it came to getting the stringer and mount under the engine out, I'm having some issues. The bottom was soft on the stringer so I was able to get it out fairly easily. However, the mount and top portion of the stringer is tough as nails. I've tried a sawzall, trilling holes in it with various drill bits, and an oscillating tool. All of it is really slow going. Is there anything else I can use to get that wood out of there that isnt going to take 10 hours?

 

[vetting]

[No message]

 

[GA_Boater]

Why is the motor still in the boat and sitting on the stringer/mount. Your world may come crashing down on you.

 

[Redtruck12]

Engine still in place ( kind of) my first step would have been “pulling the engine you are possibly doing more damage than you are repairing IMO.

 

[Woodonglass]

Uhmmm Sorry dude but...You're NOT gunna repair the stringer or the motor mount with the motor still attached. Just Ain't gunna happen. That's NOT how it's done. Take the TIME and do it right OR Don't do it at all and mess up the motor and the outdrive.

 

[sogood]

Absolutely to all of the above. Having as much access as possible with various angles of attack will help greatly. Apart from avoiding any potential accidents or disasters! Pulling the engine is one of the easiest jobs you will do on your boat. And you can give it a good going over while it's out.

 

[sphelps]

Yep and from the looks of it your transom is probably toast also .

 

[vetting]

Probably should have put in all of the details last night, but it was half asleep already.
- The engine is slightly lifted to take the weight off of the glass
- The engine mount is only the piece in the middle - the rest is glass that is formed into 2 steps
- When all of the wood is out, going to do a layer or two of fresh 17oz and epoxy on the inside
- Then I have a template dam that will go on the side
- Then the entire stringer and mount will be poured together with carbon core.
- The transom as already been inspected and is fine. Its 3 1/2 thick and doesnt have any rot.

So any easier way to get all of the wood out?

 

[Scott Danforth]

take the motor and drive out first

 

[sphelps]

So any easier way to get all of the wood out?

Chainsaw ...

 

[kcassells]

Lobster Claws!

 

[Woodonglass]

All the responding members understand what you're wanting to do and how, The problem is you can't do it the way you are suggesting and do it correctly. Remove the motor and do it right. Cut out the entire mount glass and all. Grind all the surrounding areas to ensure good adhesion of the new glass. Fabricate the wood mount and then glass it to the hull using 4 layers of resin and 1708 glass.

 

[gm280]

Funny how we never seem to not have the time to do things the right way, but always have the time to redo it again the correct way after it fails... There are no short cuts to boat repairs! Only stupid ideas that will cost you more time and money in the long run. JMHO

 

[vetting]

I dont see what the big issue is with pouring a ceramic stringer. Plenty of other boats have poured transoms/stringers for replacements. Can someone explain? If I was removing the motor, I'd be doing the exact same thing. Removing all of the wood, building a dam on one side, fill the entire cavity through the top, and then continue on with my glass work.

 

[Redtruck12]

I think everyone is stuck on the fact that you are trying to get advice on how to get proper access to cut out the area that needs repair and the consensus is-get the engine out of the way.
wood is easy, strong and will likely outlast the boat if done right. Ya sure you can go another way but you’re original question was how to cut out the old bad stuff easily.
the answer to that is getting proper access = move the engine.

 

[Woodonglass]

What's your Plan for getting the Height of the Poured mount to the correct height since you've cut the top off of the old one? How will you ensure Proper Bonding of the Ceramic to the Old Glass? Lots of issues. but, It's your boat and your decision on how to do it. All we can do is advise you based on our Knowledge and experience.

 

[sphelps]

If you can successfully get to it with the motor still there then go for it . You can see your access better than we can . Just make sure whatever you remount the motor to will be strong enough ..