Repairing stringers 1979 Laser Bass Boat

[frozenokie]

These stringers weren't just rotted, they were COMPLETELY mushed, kind of resembled mud. I'm thinking of leaving about an inch of vertical fiberglass (that used to encase the stringers) to reattach the new fiberglass to after proofing the stringers. I also plan to "strap" the stringers together from side to side with proofed ply and fiberglass. Am I wrong in doing this? The transom area, including the floor that supports the batteries, tank, and charger, is in surprisingly stout shape and I believe I can get by w/o replacing. But a real problem for me will be trying to figure out the most convenient way to retract or remove the remaining foam and bad stringers from beneath the rear deck and bench seating areas and reattaching the new stringers in a fashion that will suffice under these areas - any suggestions? I've got my work cut out for me!! Should I use epoxy or polyester resin? What about foam sheets vs. expanded since I am trying to save money? I'm also thinking of using poplar 1x's for the new stringers, any suggestions - again, trying to save money.Last, what is the best method of and ingredient to use for cleaning the areas before putting the new stuff in?

Just a note - It peave's me that some people can let their boats get to this shape. I bought it knowing that it would need repair, but not THIS extensive! All a person has to do is COVER the darn thing

This will be a very nice boat once I'm done since the fiberglass hull and cap are in dandy shape, so it's all worth it nonetheless

 

[Coors]

Re: Repairing stringers 1979 Laser Bass Boat

I don't know if your fiberglass goes up and over the stringers, but on my four winns, I just cut the top of the f/g off, saving the sides, and dug out the rotten foam and wood.
Then pre-wrapped and epoxyed roven to plastic planking, bedded it in, and poured in epoxy, layering in roven.
Worked good, but takes time to dig out the crud. Acetone or de-natured alcohol cleans good.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Repairing stringers 1979 Laser Bass Boat

Hi FrozenOkie,
If possible, you may be better off removing the deck from the hull to gain full access to the underworks. A bit more involved in a bass boat, but it'll save frustration and busted knuckles in the long run.

As for owners abusing their boats, if everyone took care of their boats like they're supposed to, there would be no iboats forums!! That, and if there weren't any derelict boats to choose from, folks like us would have to buy 'new' boats! Where's the fun in that?!

- Scott

 

[frozenokie]

Re: Repairing stringers 1979 Laser Bass Boat

Thanks for your advice - Coors & Scott - I'll be diggin' in when weather permits and warms up enough. To add, I don't have the means of removing the cap or the money to pay someone else to do it for me. So, I'm stuck with repairing the best I can. I think I'll use a good epoxy to join the new stringers to the old ones where they are still solid and wrap with roven which was my original thinking. I'm thankful that the old stringers turned solid just behind the fiberglass bench seat. Any farther and it would have been out of reach to dig out the old. WHEW!!!

Thanks again and I'll update everyone with progress. I'll even post some pics if someone could tell me how???

 

[oops!]

Re: Repairing stringers 1979 Laser Bass Boat

even if thoes strings are solid......rot is a fungus......and you need to kill it...

antifreeze has been used with some sucess...just hit search

cheers
oops

 

[Hicktacular]

Re: Repairing stringers 1979 Laser Bass Boat

hey,
I am going through the same thing! Any advice?