Any disadvantages to increasing stringer system strength in aluminum boat.

[Landof9000lakes]

The reality of this being a "lifetime" boat for me has me re-thinking a few things. Much of my ideas are based on my own knowledge of my boat and the security/piece of mind they give me. (The foam thread for instance)


I'm heavily considering beefing up the stringer system in my boat. It is an older Sea Nymph like the one Jasoutside (and others) have rebuilt.
It has "stringers" that run across the boat every 24".
I'm considering laying 1/8" angle over the tops of each stringer. Then adding two braces spaced evenly, running the length of the boat in between each factory stringer. The the idea was to use 2-part poly foam to add a solid feel/sound to the boat (and for floatation)


My question and concern is will the increased stiffness of the stringer system cause any 'extra' stress on the hull itself?

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Any disadvantages to increasing stringer system strength in aluminum boat.

The only disadvantage to that will be the added weight, and that will be minimal... and the advantage of having a stronger deck framing structure will cancel out the weight disadvantage IMO.

Your deck will be and feel stronger and this will add to the durability of your boat.

You'd be surprised at how much just 1/16" angle would strengthen up your boat, and it would be half the weight of the 1/8".

We still need to see pics of your boat to give you the best help.

 

[Landof9000lakes]

Re: Any disadvantages to increasing stringer system strength in aluminum boat.

It's very similar to the picture I posted. I won't be able to get one for a bit. Need to find time to get working on it. It's in storage and has the deck installed.
It's hard to find time during football season to do much of anything

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Any disadvantages to increasing stringer system strength in aluminum boat.

I have a very different aluminum boat, but did a very similar thing. The boat was an inboard jet with a center console, I gutted it and turned into an outboard tiller jet. Now the similar part... The hull wasn't as well built as I would like so I added some bracing and changed a few things, then fully foamed it under a honeycomb floor, after that I glassed the entire floor and up the sides a few inches.

The hull is very solid and quiet with the foam and extra bracing. It is slightly heavier than it needed to be though. I try to be very careful and not allow water to sit in the small bilge area to prevent any more water contacting the foam than the bare minimum. I also store it inside.

I'm not sure if I would do it the same way again, I would probably use more bracing, no poor foam and a removable floor. This would make future modifications much easier.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Any disadvantages to increasing stringer system strength in aluminum boat.

OMG It's BLASPHEMY!!!!! You put Fiberglass in an Aluminum Boat!!!!:faint2: This could start a WAR!!!!!

Seriously, what did you do to prep the tin to accept the glass? I assume you used epoxy???

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Any disadvantages to increasing stringer system strength in aluminum boat.

OMG It's BLASPHEMY!!!!! You put Fiberglass in an Aluminum Boat!!!!:faint2:

Yeah, I threw up a little bit in the back of my mouth when I read that!

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Any disadvantages to increasing stringer system strength in aluminum boat.

It's been about 12 years since I rebuilt this boat and it's used amost every week, so far it's held up well.

I used to do a good amount of glassing onto aluminum with normal polyester, I don't recommend it though, it's a little tricky. You can also buy products like At-prime, which is a bond enhancer (like a primer) to use before applying the laminate.

I did this on aluminum plumbing (large commercial stuff), PVC, Steel, etc. Plus aluminum Swimming pools and hot tubs, Why people thought aluminum pools should be placed on the higher floors in Hotels and condos is beyond me, but we would be called in to line them with glass after a few years.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Any disadvantages to increasing stringer system strength in aluminum boat.

Any disadvantages to increasing stringer system strength in aluminum boat?

Quick answer, nope!:thumb: