How tp Keep the hull from racking when stringers are removed?

[PiratePast40]

Reading conflicting opinions about bracing the hull when removing the stringers. Boat is a 1977, 18' Fiberform runabout with a Volvo I/O motor. The boat is on a trailer with rollers. I intend on finishing up the transom ripout tomorrow. The stbd side upper part is good wood - dang if that isn't a bugger to get out!

Hopefully, I'll be ready to put in the new transom this weekend but woried about the next step - the stringers. Basically, I pulled about 1/3 of each out by hand after cutting out the glass at the aft end so they're pretty rotted anyway. I'm now worried about the hull racking with the stringers out. One person said that since it was on a roller trailer, I needed to support the hull from the aft corners with blocking and then jack the bow up and support from the keel instead of from the sides when the stringers were removed. I've also heard that it's no big deal and it doesn't need anything special since the cap is still on the boat and it's a strong transom.

So do I really need to take the time to support from the transom and keel or is ok to just leave it alone?

Thanks

 

[legoman67]

Re: How tp Keep the hull from racking when stringers are removed?

if the cap is still on then i dont see any reason why the trailers support wont be good enough. Another option, though slower, is to do one stringer at a time(rip it out, replace with new, move on to next)

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: How tp Keep the hull from racking when stringers are removed?

Thanks a lot for replying - I was starting to think it was a really dumb question - :redface: Then I realized that we're on the left coast and behind on time of day. Dang - can't believe how sore I am from grinding, sawing, chipping and pounding away at the old transom.

There are just so many things that I don't want to screw up on this build - or should say that I don't want to take short cuts and do dumb things.

I noticed that many of the other projects on the forum have the boat on the trailer so was a little taken back when the guy at the shop said it should be allowed to "relax" on the keel. But I'm also thinking that the existing stringers are so soft and mushy that they aren't providing much support anyway. Can you believe that when I bought the boat the guy said that it only needed a bellows???? !!!!!! Guess he saw me coming - LOL.

Thanks again. Looks like I'll need to pick up a "chicken plucker" tomorow to get the remaining wood off the transom glass.

 

[83mulligan]

Re: How tp Keep the hull from racking when stringers are removed?

I asked the same question when I started. I was told it should be fine on the trailer with the cap still on. I took some reference measurements and wrote them right on the hull, point to point so I could check on occasion. So far, all is good. I did put a ratchet strap right around the midsection for a little more piece of mind. One thing another guy on here told me, and I believe to be true, is that if you are leaving the sole in, that provides a lot of stability for the hull in itself. Anyway, i have my bulkheads out and the transom and one stringer and haven't noticed any hull distortion so far. BTW, I feel all your pain on the transom removal, haha. Just finishing up mine.

 

[legoman67]

Re: How tp Keep the hull from racking when stringers are removed?

"Thanks again. Looks like I'll need to pick up a "chicken plucker" tomorow to get the remaining wood off the transom glass."

been there, i found just using the chiesel(get under the film, then just slide it back and forth repeatily, hitting under the film.. mine just started pealing right off) i made pretty good work of that last flim.. then i used an orbital air sander with 36 grit and sanded it down..

just finished putting the first new board on mine today
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=281698&page=5

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: How tp Keep the hull from racking when stringers are removed?

Thanks again guys. Legoman - nice boat!!!! You said to use 36 grit - that sounds like the "gravel in glue" paper that I used on the first pass when refinishing the hardwood floors. Is that what you meant or is there another term that I'm not familiar with?

I've got a small random sander that I can use but also have a 4 1/2" grinder that I'm using with a cutoff wheel for the heavy stuff that I've done so far. To use the grinder for sanding, I think I need to get a rubber pad with a mandrel - is that correct?

When cutting out the transom, noticed a gap on the sides and bottom. Shoulnd't this have been filled in with construction adhesive or "Oops patented peanut butter"?

When I have time to look for the round tuit that I set down somewhere, I'll go ahead and start a project thread.

 

[legoman67]

Re: How tp Keep the hull from racking when stringers are removed?

thanks, its a huge job... gavel and glue is basically what the sandpaper is! you could even use like 24 grit if you wanted. If you plan to use epoxy resin then the sanding isnt that important, but if you plan to use polyester(like i did) then you need to make sure the surface is absolutely clean, and rough enough that the resin will adhere.

yes the gap should have been filled, but mine was simular, there was just big blobs of resin on the sides, one tap with the chisel sent the whole blob flying off...

Im just heading out to cut the second board for my transom, hopefully ill get it mostly finished today!

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: How tp Keep the hull from racking when stringers are removed?

allright - gravel in glue it is . I'm also planning on using polyester resin. I can buy my resin and mat from a local boat shop and the owner says there is nothing at all wrong with poly if you do it right and it's overall easier to work - plus it's less expensive.

Good luck on the transom. My boat is outside and it's raining here today so I'll do some work on the motor and clean up the outdrive.