Bad Stringers? How to tell?

[Hardcore]

excuse my ignorance but i keep reading about replacing stringers on older boats. my question is how can you tell? aren't they encased in fiberglass and run the length of the boat? how can you replace them without removing the deck?

I ask because im looking at a possible trade of my boat for an older 1976 wellcraft airslot in decent condition but i keep reading that the stringers can be a problem. i've had several older boats of this vintage and never was aware of a problem. dont want to trade for a rotten boat. thanks.

 

[MTribe08]

Re: Bad Stringers? How to tell?

excuse my ignorance but i keep reading about replacing stringers on older boats. my question is how can you tell? aren't they encased in fiberglass and run the length of the boat? how can you replace them without removing the deck?

I ask because im looking at a possible trade of my boat for an older 1976 wellcraft airslot in decent condition but i keep reading that the stringers can be a problem. i've had several older boats of this vintage and never was aware of a problem. dont want to trade for a rotten boat. thanks.

Its tough without ripping up the deck...but, bang around very good on the deck and feel/listen for dead spots or soft spots..if there is a soft deck, there is usually rotten stringers. Rot normally starts from the bottom up. Or you can have a survey done and they will have a device that measure moisture content in wood, but sometimes the wood is so far gone is basically just dust.

 

[Sharp Shooter]

Re: Bad Stringers? How to tell?

A common scenario is wood rot from moisture getting under the glass. The stringers are through bolted and over time sitting water may sneak past one or all of the fasteners.

Look for soft spots not just on the stringers but everywhere. Tapping a quarter all over the hull works pretty good.

To replace stringers you normally have to cut off the glass that's over the wood. Better built boats have full length stringers requiring bulk head(s) to be r & r'd. The deck can be cut off and put back later, but you shouldn't need to do that.

 

[howlnmad]

Re: Bad Stringers? How to tell?

Being that they are glassed to the hull, I can't think of any way to replace the stringers (if needed) without tearing up the deck.
Unless of coarse the boat is a "tinny", then you won't have to worry about stringer rot.

 

[Sharp Shooter]

Re: Bad Stringers? How to tell?

I can't think of any way to replace the stringers (if needed) without tearing up the deck.

2 ways to do it. Either replace the stringers with the deck on or remove the deck (at the cap) and put it back on later.

 

[Hardcore]

Re: Bad Stringers? How to tell?

Its tough without ripping up the deck...but, bang around very good on the deck and feel/listen for dead spots or soft spots..if there is a soft deck, there is usually rotten stringers. Rot normally starts from the bottom up. Or you can have a survey done and they will have a device that measure moisture content in wood, but sometimes the wood is so far gone is basically just dust.

thanks, BTW do you know where i could find the moisture sensing device where i wouldnt have to hire a suveyor? thanks

 

[Sharp Shooter]

Re: Bad Stringers? How to tell?

Deck put back on and still not "tore up".

Bulk head and side boards installed.

 

[yjanray]

Re: Bad Stringers? How to tell?

thanks, BTW do you know where i could find the moisture sensing device where i wouldnt have to hire a suveyor? thanks

its called a Protimeter, and there a little pricey

http://www.instrumart.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=10310

this was the first website I found, so i'm sure there a little cheaper, but there still expensive.

 

[howlnmad]

Re: Bad Stringers? How to tell?

Being that they are glassed to the hull, I can't think of any way to replace the stringers (if needed) without tearing up the deck.
Unless of coarse the boat is a "tinny", then you won't have to worry about stringer rot.

I take it back. Except for the "tinny" part.

 

[oops!]

Re: Bad Stringers? How to tell?

the instrument used to check stringers is the same used by building inspectors to see if there is water behind your shower walls....there are no probes on it....
they are about 500 bux each.

you can rent one from a local rental place of find a home inspector and borrow his (if you know him).

i also believe the deck the op is talking about is the floor.
and ...no there is no way to change them with out removing the floor.

one way to tell before you buy is to weigh the boat.
remove all gas and extras and weigh it against mfgrs specs. a big discrepancy is a bad thing.

one place in an i/o is the motor cage. uasually the motor mounts are stringers (or very near them)

search core sample...remember...just cause the glass surrounding them looks good does not mean the stringers are.

your best tool for finding a good boat is knowledge, iboats is boat university. study lots in the restoration and motor section and your chances of getting a bad boat drop by 90 %

 

[howlnmad]

Re: Bad Stringers? How to tell?

thanks, BTW do you know where i could find the moisture sensing device where i wouldnt have to hire a suveyor? thanks

Happen to know anyone at a lumber yard, Lowes, Home Depot or Menards? I've had lumber loads checked at all the fore mentioned places. You still have to be able to access the stringer cores.