rotten floor

[wil186]

Hello all. Ok, here's the deal. I recently bought a 1977 Mark Twain for $500. This is my first boat. The floor was soft, and I thought I could just replace the plywood on top (boy was I wrong). Turns out, all of the stringers underneath were rotten too. So, here's what I did: I ripped out the floor, cut out the stringers, ripped out the foam, and let the whole boat dry. Does anyone know an easy way to get under the bow (it's a bowrider) and do the same thing there? The problem now is that I don't really know what to do next. So, I thought I'd look here for some answers. Are 2 x 6's and 1 x 4's okay for replacing the stringers? Must they be fiberglassed in, can I do that myself, if so, how? Is the foam necessary, or can I just do without it? Is the lay out of the stringers important, or can it be modified? Thanks for any help.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: rotten floor

Hi Wil186.. Try the "search forums" function in the project boats forum for stringers and floor replacment... Bunch of info there that will help steer you in the right direction and answer most, if not all, of your questions..... <br /><br />Good luck..

 

[kahuna]

Re: rotten floor

Wil186:<br /><br />I haven't done this work myself, but I can tell you first don't try to modify the stringers unless you're doing it to strengthen the hull. Don't cut corners here. Second yes you do have to glass in the stringers. Third I wouldn't use 2X6 or 1X4 lumber for the stringers since they could twist. Better to go with marine grade plywood laminated to the thickness you want. All projects you could do yourself if you don't have wife and kids (very time consuming but rewarding) Good luck.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: rotten floor

Go to Projects and do a search on Skanky Beast, that was the rig I rebuilt. The only way I know of to get under the bow section is to remove the entire upper deck. It is not as bad as it sounds, I removed mine with just me, my neighbor, and his wife. Once off, you have access to everything. If you floor and stringers are rotted, the transom is probably in bad shape as well. Since you have the deck off, you may as well replace the transom. You can make it stronger and better than the original. Good luck and post future questions in the Project Boats section, and post pics...