Drain holes in stringers???

[klos]

I'm replaceing all the stringers & floor in a 87 baja. I dont know if I should put the drain holes back in the stringers. I think that this was part of the rotting problem from the begining. The other option is to make separate sealed compartments with no drain holes. My concern is that if condensation forms on the inside of these compartments it will have no way to dry. Please let me know what you think.

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: Drain holes in stringers???

If you do put in weep holes you should seal the inside edges of the holes with epoxy or whatever resin you're using. Weep holes would probably be a good idea. What model is the Baja?

 

[klos]

Re: Drain holes in stringers???

Its a 1987 baja Force 200. I've talked to some local boat repair shops, some tell me to completly seal the compartments, the others say to use drain holes. I'm trying to think of all the pros & cons of doing this both ways. Any experience with this? Any info is much appriciated.

 

[Maximerc]

Re: Drain holes in stringers???

Been there ..Done that .. Yes put drainage holes in , coat everything good with whatever you are using for a bonding agent, I used Epoxy Glue .. I hate the smell of fiberglass and have worked with epoxy many times before. I bet that 99.997% of all watertight compartments are not. If you are really concerned, as I was, I double coated all edges of the wood before installing it back in the boat. and then one more time when in the boat. My 84 Baja SS lasted 20 years .. it should last another 35 years now.. I will be 75 years old at that point and will not care alot then I think ! Run a search here for my screen name you should find a link or two with full pixs .. its a lotta work took all winter, but I have a family that I cannot neglect. Good luck !

 

[klos]

Re: Drain holes in stringers???

Thanks for the info, any other tips. This is my first stringer replacement.

 

[crab bait]

Re: Drain holes in stringers???

useless to put in weep holes unless they are mouse ( cartoon ) holes/3 sided holes/open on the bottom..so ALL WATER can drain.. <br /><br />an it's all useless coated as per MAXI..<br /><br />if done this way ,, it's a good thing..

 

[Terry Olson]

Re: Drain holes in stringers???

I agree with crab - not only do you need the drain holes but they need to be open to the inner surface of the hull at the lowest point in the hull so the water flows out quickly. If not you'll have a certain amount of water that is always in there sloshing around feeding the rot.<br /><br />The best solution would be to replace the wood with aluminum stringers, but this would require specialized tools and some experience in aluminum fabrication. <br /><br />Without seeing what you're replacing I wonder if you couldn't use maintenance free decking lumber to replace the original wood pieces. It won't rot, is only a bit heavier than the original lumber, and can be worked with the same tools. I'm not sure how it takes fiberglass or epoxy resin so glassing it in might be a problem. <br /><br />My fishing boat has aluminum stringers so reflooring it is very easy. I've been kicking around using maintenance free decking for the floor when I replace it. No need for carpet, won't rot, etc. - the only reasons I'm leaning away from the idea is that I actually want the floor carpeted and the decking would weigh quite a bit more than plywood.

 

[epresutti]

Re: Drain holes in stringers???

Klos,<br /><br />As per et al.. I created three sided holes at lowest point on all stringers near the back of the stringers (near the transom). Built up fiberglass back to transom so lowest point on each stringer was the weep hole when the boat was level sitting in the water.<br /><br /><br />Peace.<br /><br />Ed.

 

[klos]

Re: Drain holes in stringers???

I appreciate all the great info. I was thinking that the sealed compartments were a bad idea, no way to dry out.<br />It sure is nice to find a site were all the people are friendly & more than willing to help a fellow boater.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Drain holes in stringers???

Ayuh,.......<br /><br />Do a Search on "Limber Holes".......<br />There's been Lots of discussions about Drainage,.....<br />Hopefully it's not part of the Lost Archives,....... <br /><br />I Agree,....... You've Got to have Drainage,.....<br />Because,......<br /><br /> There's No Such Thing as a WaterProof Compartment in a Boat ,......... Period ........<br /><br /><br />Terry,..... You otta be doing some Searches,.........<br />That Plastic Lumber has Way More Minuses than Pluses,..... in Boats anyway...........