Can I use a Scarf Joint to splice a Stringer??

[HVAC Cruiser]

OK, another BAD boat day . Originally when I started my one rebuild project I tore out from behind the helm back to the transom. The deck support stringers, deck and transom where rotted but the 2 main stringers where solid, I drilled some test areas and all was dry, so I left them alone just replacing what was rotted.

Monday I tore out the lower deck @ the helm and into the cabin and found core damage. Well this morning I was cutting and grinding and found the bottom of the main stringers rotten starting about 6-8 inches forward of the bulkhead where I replaced the upper deck etc..

Would it be safe to use a scarf joint and replace from the bulkhead forward to the bow? Its a 19' stringer on a 21' 6" boat I would have been splicing anyway?

 

[lowkee]

Re: Can I use a Scarf Joint to splice a Stringer??

Exactly as you stated, a splice would happen either way. Just try to make it become one piece as much as possible by glassing over the entire spliced area. I simply used PL and screws to attach the two sections, then glassed over them both while mounting them and they sure won't be going anywhere. You will be doing essentially the same thing, just over a time span, which really shouldn't matter.

 

[HVAC Cruiser]

Re: Can I use a Scarf Joint to splice a Stringer??

Exactly as you stated, a splice would happen either way. Just try to make it become one piece as much as possible by glassing over the entire spliced area. I simply used PL and screws to attach the two sections, then glassed over them both while mounting them and they sure won't be going anywhere. You will be doing essentially the same thing, just over a time span, which really shouldn't matter.

Thanks, my heart sunk when I saw this this morning, its only the bottom 1" on a 1x6 stringer but the rot goes 2' long so I'm thinking I will make a real long 20-30 degree cut and do a 2' scarf and replace the entire end right to the bow.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Can I use a Scarf Joint to splice a Stringer??

Yes, just make sure it is a sound scarf and reinforced.

 

[HVAC Cruiser]

Re: Can I use a Scarf Joint to splice a Stringer??

Yes, just make sure it is a sound scarf and reinforced.

Thanks for your reply,
I opened everything up today and cut the stringer Here is how it looked before I cleaned up the mess

The wood is sound, I am going to let everything dry out before I splice a new stringer to her. The new stub will wind up being about 5' long

 

[bananaboater]

Re: Can I use a Scarf Joint to splice a Stringer??

Thanks for your reply,
I opened everything up today and cut the stringer Here is how it looked before I cleaned up the mess
The wood is sound, I am going to let everything dry out before I splice a new stringer to her. The new stub will wind up being about 5' long

Can this piece be removed, scarf jointed and replaced?

I guess if you could do that you would already so may be I answered my ?

Any room to attach a sister piece?

I'll shut up now.

 

[HVAC Cruiser]

Re: Can I use a Scarf Joint to splice a Stringer??

Can this piece be removed, scarf jointed and replaced?

I guess if you could do that you would already so may be I answered my ?

Any room to attach a sister piece?

I'll shut up now.

No, for me to take it out of the boat I would have to tear the deck back out and the way I built the upper deck, I would have to destroy months of work.

Its funny you mentioned sistering the stringer. I was thinking of gusseting it like I do with steel. I was going to epoxy the new and old stinger then fish plate it with a piece of 1/2" ply on either side extending beyond the scarf