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Can you fix boat stringers?
Cover Photo: Fiberglass boats can be repaired with WEST SYSTEM Epoxy. Fixing damaged or delaminated stringers is one of the most common repairs associated with fiberglass boats.
How important are stringers in a boat?
The Stringers Looking at the bottom-support structure provides clues to the real quality of construction. A fiberglass laminate is very flexible, so all fiberglass boats rely on longitudinal stringers and athwartships frames and bulkheads to maintain the hull’s designed shape.
What does it mean when the stringers are wet?
Myth: Wet readings on stringers mean the boat hull is junk. If that were the case, then most every boat with wood stringers would be junked. The fact is, most have moisture levels which are higher than when the stringers were installed. Take care to prevent rot and the boat can live on.
How do I know if my fiberglass boat is rotting?
On inboard and sterndrive boats, where transom flex is not as prevalent, a core sample can be taken from the inside of the transom to check for moisture or rot. Deck and stringer system problems go hand in hand. Soft spots on the deck are a sign of rotted and delaminated core materials.
What kind of wood is used for boat stringers?
You want wood that has a straight grain, free from knots or if there are knots, they should be very small and tight. Find some lumber that has a tight grain, with close annual ring spacing. It would also be wise to use a species that has good rot resistance and is easy to glue.
What is the best material to use for boat stringers?
For your stringers, use two pieces of 3/4″ thick wood, epoxied together, rather then one 2×4. Epoxy has a difficult time with wood thicker then 1″, so glue up thinner pieces.
How do you replace a rotted stringer on a boat?
To replace your stringers, follow this simple seven-step method: Prepare the surfaces. All surfaces should be clean, dry and sanded. Mark the area. Remove the damaged stringer. Make the core. Sand the surfaces. Bond the core. Finishing.
Does contender use wood in their boats?
While Contender Boats still uses wood in a few areas, like the transom and the anchor locker, it is high-grade marine plywood and is sandwiched between layers of vinylester resin. Stringers are of fiberglass composite.
How do boats rot?
Most fiberglass boats have wood in them. This wood will rot. The problem starts when water gets to the wood, and then with enough heat the rot fungi get a grip and off they go. There are certain bacteria that eat the wood as well.
Does crownline use wood stringers?
This is one of the factors that makes the hulls heavier than their competition. Currently, Crownline does not use any wood at or below the waterline in its construction. The hull, stringers, transom, and deck are all covered for the boat’s life for the original owner.
What does boat rot look like?
A soft or moveable transom on a fibreglass boat is an indicator of rot, and can significantly weaken the connection between the boat and the engine. A soft floor on a fibreglass boat can also be an indicator of unseen rot, leading to a boat that is not structurally sound.
What causes soft spots on boats?
Hi Jeff, Normally, a soft spot is caused when the foam beneath the fiberglass deck gets compressed. The fiberglass usually pops back into place but the foam remains compressed. Soft spots can be caused several ways. The most common is body weight being bounced up & down in the same spot.
How do I know if my boat has dry rot?
Take a look at all the wood you can—including under corners and crevasses—to see if there’s any evidence of dry rot. Look for any discoloration of the wood itself: if parts of the wood look different than the rest of it, then you’re looking at the potential for dry rot.
Can you fiberglass over rotted wood?
Things You’ll Need Fiberglass is a non corrosive waterproof material, that’s fairly easy to work with. For reinforcement, two to three layers of fiberglass mat is applied and saturated with the resin. The mat will form and bond to the wood, creating a protective layer over the wood.
How thick should Plywood be on a boat floor?
Use a good grade 1/2 to 5/8 plywood (I used 3/4) you should cover the bottom side with fiberglass cloth, make sure you use a 24 to 36 grid pad to rough up the wood prior to laying your cloth down.
Does wood rot in salt water?
Wood does not decay simply because it is wet, but because it has been attacked by fungi under rather special conditions of moisture, temperature and oxygenation. Wood which is thoroughly saturated with water won’t rot, whether that water is fresh or salt.
Can I use cedar for boat stringers?
Fine idea as long as the cedar is sealed in epoxy first all sides three coats and as long as the wood scantlings are based on a similar strength core. If the original wood was white oak, for example, it would be wise to beef up the cedar to a somewhat larger section.
Can you use plywood for boat stringers?
Do not use plywood for stringers. Grain orientation is important with long thin pieces. The grain of the wood should follow the length, which goes without saying, but plywood has a large percentage of its grain running across the outer grain direction.
Can I use pine for stringers?
A softwood, pine is suitable for stair treads in your home. Pine is one of many kinds of wood that is ideal to make up the stair treads in your home. Using pine for this purpose has several benefits, making it common in many homes.
