How can I tell if the stringers and stuff are bad without ripping the whole floor out

[kevk4209]

Hi everyone.
Just bought a 1975 Terry Consowell bass boat from my dad and needles to say its been sitting outside for awhile. The carpet is completly gone. I am going to restore this boat and from looking at the forumes this is going to be an adventure for sure. The one thing I need for now is how I can see how bad the stringers are with out ripping the whole floor out?
Thanks in advance for all your knowledge.
Kev

 

[b.gagnon]

Re: How can I tell if the stringers and stuff are bad without ripping the whole floor

More than likely it is rotted! Cut a hole near the transom and take a look, then if it is ok install a deck hatch over it...

 

[jonesg]

Re: How can I tell if the stringers and stuff are bad without ripping the whole floor

30+ yrs old, sat outside, carpet shot...

You never know but no-one would be surprised if the transom , stringers and deck were shot.

I drilled an 1/8th in hole to mount a transom sensor near the keel and clear water ran out, drilled a 1/2 inch hole near the top of the transom and black pulp came out on the drill, black wet pulp.

 

[kevk4209]

Re: How can I tell if the stringers and stuff are bad without ripping the whole floor

Thanks guys I will try that. Let ya know what happens.

 

[oops!]

Re: How can I tell if the stringers and stuff are bad without ripping the whole floor

search core sample........

 

[kevk4209]

Re: How can I tell if the stringers and stuff are bad without ripping the whole floor

Hello People
Well I finally got around to looking at the boat and guess what the floor and I do believe the transom are bad. The floor and stringers I think I can do with just a little help but the transom is a different story. I don't even know where to begin on replacing the transom any and all advice would greatly be appreciated.
Thank You in advance.

 

[88BLiner]

Re: How can I tell if the stringers and stuff are bad without ripping the whole floor

Hello kev welcome
Chances are that if you found that the transom and floors are rotted then the stringers will be also.

If you are going to have to rip up the floor and tear out the transom you may as well do the stringers too.

Don't worry just take a bunch of pictures and post them here and ask a lot of questions, you will get all the help you need.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: How can I tell if the stringers and stuff are bad without ripping the whole floor

Hello People
I don't even know where to begin on replacing the transom any and all advice would greatly be appreciated.
Thank You in advance.

Welcome to iboats m8..

Welp..you have begun Loads of advice has been and will be appreciated.

You found the right spot..just not the search feature yet

Research the forums..get a good feeling on what your about to embark on..get prices on what you think you will need..make the plunge if its time/cost effective ..and post some pics ( we LOVE pics..infact basically some of us are like a teenager finding dads playboy..we love them pictures ).

YD.

 

[kevk4209]

Re: How can I tell if the stringers and stuff are bad without ripping the whole floor

Thanks guys.
The first question is do you guys go through a boat supplier or automotive to get your fiberglass supplies or can you give me a website to go through. I will try and get some pics in the next few days.
Kev K

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: How can I tell if the stringers and stuff are bad without ripping the whole floor

Kev k

Actually I go both..local supply for glass/resin sundries etc.. auto for paint some abrasives.. whatever I need when I need it..

Abouts where location are you ?

YD.

 

[kevk4209]

Re: How can I tell if the stringers and stuff are bad without ripping the whole floor

Kev k

Actually I go both..local supply for glass/resin sundries etc.. auto for paint some abrasives.. whatever I need when I need it..

Abouts where location are you ?

YD.

I live in Topeka KS. I have a two local places that work on boats other than that Kansas City would be the closet place for me that I know of.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: How can I tell if the stringers and stuff are bad without ripping the whole floor

Might be worth asking those places where they get there supplies from. .. And hope they dont give you the blow off..

YD.

 

[jonesg]

Re: How can I tell if the stringers and stuff are bad without ripping the whole floor

The internet is chock full of suppliers, I like their poly resin because they send the wax seperate, either add or omit the wax.
http://www.fiberglasssite.com/servlet/StoreFront

UScomposites is good too.

but if you can source local thats the best way.