Stringer Question (fiberglass boat)

[USMCTC]

I am in the process of replacing the rotten stringers and floor oh! and transom, in my 1975 Caravelle Wahoo CX-212. My question is how do you tell if the stingers are structural or non-structural? there is a center stringer along the keel that looks as if it were a 2"x4". I can post photos later.

 

[registeroot]

Re: Stringer Question (fiberglass boat)

why would it be non-structural? what would be the point?

 

[Fisherball]

Re: Stringer Question (fiberglass boat)

If it's there & rotted, replace it. It would not have been installed if it wasn't structural! Boat manufacturers don't spend money they don't have to.

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: Stringer Question (fiberglass boat)

If it's there & rotted, replace it. It would not have been installed if it wasn't structural! Boat manufacturers don't spend money they don't have to.

Exactly....manufacturers do the least possible.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Stringer Question (fiberglass boat)

Yep, put it back EXACTLY the way you found it. You DON'T have to use solid wood. You CAN and I recommend you DO use either Marine Grade (expensive) or regular Exterior Grade Plywood laminated together to get the approriate thickness and then encapsulate with resin and mat. There are NO shortcuts when you are trying to fix your boat the RIGHT way. Lots of em if you want to do it wrong!!!!!

 

[USMCTC]

Re: Stringer Question (fiberglass boat)

Thanks for the feedback everyone, the reason I asked, was due to other threads I have read that mentioned this topic, I had never heard of non-structural, but I, in no means claim to know it all, so I ask the silly question (lol) I am considering using the PRISMA Composite Preform stingers trying to eliminate the use of wood, and weight. Has anyone used them, I seen them used on Ship Shape TV, and like the concept.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Stringer Question (fiberglass boat)

Welcome to iboats.

Well, for the average boat owner I do not think they have any value. They are allot of money and require about the same amount of resin. DO you have a chopper gun? How are your glassing skills? You could in theory make your own.

For the money needed you would almost be better with making nida bond/seacast stringer's. Considering it is a 1975 boat I would personally use plywood and make my own. The weight savings will be minor and you will never get the benefit of lighter weight in an older boat.

What are your goals? To have the boat fixed faster? Last longer? If money is no object then go for the pre-formed at about $7/ft not counting resin.

 

[USMCTC]

Re: Stringer Question (fiberglass boat)

Welcome to iboats.

Well, for the average boat owner I do not think they have any value. They are allot of money and require about the same amount of resin. DO you have a chopper gun? How are your glassing skills? You could in theory make your own.

For the money needed you would almost be better with making nida bond/seacast stringer's. Considering it is a 1975 boat I would personally use plywood and make my own. The weight savings will be minor and you will never get the benefit of lighter weight in an older boat.

What are your goals? To have the boat fixed faster? Last longer? If money is no object then go for the pre-formed at about $7/ft not counting resin.

Thanks Bob_VT My skill level is moderate, no I do not have a chopper gun, I am just weighing my options. I am in no big hurry, unfortunately money is always an object lol, I want to take what ever time I need to make it right, I will probably end up using plywood. I appreciate your opinion. I am sure the hull will be much lighter by removing all the saturated wood and foam.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Stringer Question (fiberglass boat)

Plywood is the "norm" for replacing stringer's and fairly cost effective too. Take a look around here in the restoration section and you will see.