what kind wood for rebuild floor, stringers, transom

[phatmanmike]

what type of wood should i use to rebuild my transom, floor, and stringers... i assume plywood for the floor and transom, but what size and type.. im a "fiberglass virgin".. its my first time, be gentle...<br /><br />what wood do i use for the stringers, and what size ... 1x 4...2x 6... hmmmm?<br /><br />the boat is a 16 foot glasspar, 1960 length is 15'11 and max width is 79" transom is for 20"motor...<br /><br />thank you<br /><br />mikey

 

[Bass Runner]

Re: what kind wood for rebuild floor, stringers, transom

I'm no expert at this, I am rebuilding my 16' Chrysler right now, some from the forum told me to use Douglas Fir plywood they say it is almost as good a marine and a lot less expensive, as for size mine is layered 3/4 for the transom stringers, 1/2 inch for the deck that was what was original, they told me that you can use anything you want it is your boat, but look at durability and weight, overkill and you end up with a dog for performance. Hope this helps. P.S.(pain in the butt isn't it

 

[coachmup]

Re: what kind wood for rebuild floor, stringers, transom

I am new to this also, I started mine in february and the going is slow. I asked a bunch of questions and answers varied but I will be using 3/4 also for stringers and floor(luckily I do not have to replace the transom) but I have not decided yet on marine or douglas. The best thing you can do is ask questions and read everything you see on this board.

 

[DJ]

Re: what kind wood for rebuild floor, stringers, transom

Mike,<br /><br />I'm no plywood expert either. But, as mentioned, one has to be aware of the weight issue.<br /><br />I've always used just regular old (finished one side) ply (Usually 1/2") for floors.<br /><br />I sandwich layers of either 1/2" or 3/4" for transoms. You can do the same for stringers.<br /><br />I used these materials on my first project boat 20 years ago. I had no clue what I was doing. Anyway, It turned out great. I ran that boat in salt and fresh water in Louisiana for almost five years and had NO rot issues whatsoever.<br /><br />The bilge NEVER dried out there.

 

[ob15]

Re: what kind wood for rebuild floor, stringers, transom

I would use fir marine ($40/sheet at home cheepo). Not sure about the stringers. Are there any in there now? Regular 2 by material would proably be ok. <br /><br />Check this site out. Should have lots of info for you. <br /><br /> http://www.amateurboatbuilding.com/ <br /><br />Alway use epoxy as I said in another one of your posts.

 

[Bass Runner]

Re: what kind wood for rebuild floor, stringers, transom

What ever you do don't use stranded plywood, I made that mistake, floor barly made it a year, that stuff soaks up water like a sponge and swells like it's pregnat, solid wood is fine incased in glass but remember weight, the crossmembers in my hustler were solid and have laster since 1965 so they will work properly treated.

 

[bidlimit]

Re: what kind wood for rebuild floor, stringers, transom

I use three layers of 1/4" glued up with epoxy/sawdust mix. It creates a super strong sandwich that doesn't flex easily.

 

[ob15]

Re: what kind wood for rebuild floor, stringers, transom

Plywood is ok (exterior rated) but it needs to be sealed with epoxy. It'll last forever that way. We'll at least as long as you can use the boat.