1975 Starcraft American 16' I\O rebuild question

[Blujay96]

I just purchased a 1975 Starcraft American 16' I/O. The floor is rotten and it looks like at this point that at least one of the stringers is rotten. My question is do I have to remove the old stringer or can I take aluminum on both sides of it and bolt thru and then fiberglass over the whole thing. I work in a metal trade so cutting the aluminum in the correct shape would be easy. Just don't know if that would work out okay. My thought is that doing that would leave the old fiberglass attached to the hull and then adding more strength then putting a new piece of wood.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 1975 Starcraft American 16' I\O rebuild question

Welcome to iboats.

It is really not a good practice to encapsulate a piece of rotten wood. You can use your metal idea but a piece of new wood can provide better strength at a lower cost....... and less work. Your suggestion is considered a band aid repair and they never last.

Cut the old stringer out and completely replace it. Do not use the old fiberglass since it will not properly adhere ...... please consider doing it right the first time.

 

[Blujay96]

Re: 1975 Starcraft American 16' I\O rebuild question

When I cut the old stringer out do I take the fiberglass all the way down to the hull.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 1975 Starcraft American 16' I\O rebuild question

Yes. The only thing that would be left is the memory...... and a bad memory at that.

 

[Blujay96]

Re: 1975 Starcraft American 16' I\O rebuild question

Thank you. I will do it the right way and take out the old stringer. I want the boat to be nice and last a long time.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 1975 Starcraft American 16' I\O rebuild question

Look at this member's signature for some good suggestions http://forums.iboats.com/member.php?u=3888