Fiberglass ladder rail

[coldbeerhello]

I have a 1989 Searay 180 18' Bowrider I/O. 4.3l Merc that runs good. I have had the boat for about 3 years. Been garaged for the past 2. Stringers are starting to get pretty bad, so I will eventually go in and repair the them. I haven't gone any further than removing the gas tank cover, so my question is largely hypothetical since I don't have any specifics on the extent of the damage.

I have access to fiberglass ladder rail as it is manufactured in my town. Locals make everything from park-benches to fences out of the stuff. It has roughly the same dimensions as a 2x4 except it is shaped like this [ . It is not very pourous which means it will be resistant to water but will also resist glue. Would this stuff be worth incorporating into the repair?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Fiberglass ladder rail

On the surface it sounds like a great idea....... but once a piece of the rail is compromised I think it is subject to failure pretty fast.

I think if you have access to the engineering dept and could ask specific questions and see how it relates to wood. Consider that most people recommend 2 pieces of 3/4" plywood laminated together and covered in fiberglass with poly resin or epoxy resin for stringers.

 

[coldbeerhello]

Re: Fiberglass ladder rail

Thanks for the reply. I know a few people that work there. I'll ask around.