Composite Wood Stringer??

[sdb1966]

Hi, I am new to this forum have starting rebuilding a a 15 1/2 ft fiberglass boat ,not sure of the make but it is a semi-v hull fishing boat 1970's era . My question is on the stringer replacement it is a 1x6x12 ft cut to a curve to match the boat. Has anyone used the newer composite wood material for stringers? What I mean by the composite is the newer deck material made of plastic/wood that is not supposed to rot. It would seem to be a good alternative in case of any future water intrusion . Water came in my boat through a crack in the glass under the stringer over one of the trailer rollers and rotted out the stringer seeped through cracks in the stringer covering glass and and then soaked the foam and deck any help would be appreciated and forgive me if this question has been asked before but I could not find it.. I included a link below Thanks!!


http://www.verandadeck.com/decking/faq.htm

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Composite Wood Stringer??

This has been discussed numerous times on the forum. I believe the general consensus is that the composite is heavy, has little lateral strength, and glass won't stick to it. Stick with plywood.

 

[1fishbone]

Re: Composite Wood Stringer??

I don't think fiberglass/epoxy resin will soak into it.

 

[SawDust{RM}]

Re: Composite Wood Stringer??

That Stuff is not suitible for your use, its heavy, flexes & will not give support, & only comes in certain sizes & shapes, even 3/4 or 1/2 PVC Board would be better than that but it also flexes, I am using High Density 3/4 Foam Board Glassed on both sides for the inner Stringer, Gelded in place reinfored in place with Ceramic & then Glassed in place.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Composite Wood Stringer??

I recommend pressure treated dimentional (solid) lumber, over plywood. Dry it out well and cut the curve to match the hull. Glass it in place and cover with resin and cloth.
The plastic stuff is just strong enough for decking, not for joists and girders.

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Composite Wood Stringer??

Yup. Lots of stringer discussions here. Use the search function and type stringer. Composite, while a good thought, won't work for all the reasons above. You don't need PT...at best marine plywood, however your standard plywood, glassed, will work fine. The point is, you are probably not restoring some classic piece of boating history and are mainly interested in getting back in the water safely. Using marine compared to standard type home depot plywood will make a difference in the years the boat stays together. If you want it to last another 20+ years go with all high quality marine related product. Remember...it's a hole in the water you throw money into. Have fun with it, learn from this forum, shop around with pricing.

 

[sdb1966]

Re: Composite Wood Stringer??

Thanks everyone for your answers.You are right it is not a piece of history just a old boat used for local lakes near Kansas City,but it is my boat and I do want to do it right the first time but within reasonable cost. I think I will stick with solid wood it lasted 30 years and when I said rotted earlier it was only in spots. Sorry I did not see earlier post on the subject ..