Floor question

[jonndena]

I am redoing a 1970 Luger 16' and the floor was a nightmare (see pics)
I am wondering if anyone here could just guide me in the right direction as far as a new stringer system. I have seen many boats that have just stringers running the length of the boat. Do i need the cross stringers? or does anyone maybe just have an idea of what i might do here? I just can't see recreating that mess again.

http://webpages.charter.net/jonndena94 check out pics 4-15

 

[thrillhouse700]

Re: Floor question

I'm not sure about your questions as my boat only has one stringer , but I just wanted to say I really dig your boat. The lines are very unique. Good luck, wait up for others to post, I know there are some other guys with that same stringer set up. Usually a sideway stringer is called a bulkhead but I'm not sure in this case.

 

[jonndena]

Re: Floor question

Ya i saw it sitting in a guys yard and said to myself.... Gotta have it, it's way to cool looking not to be on the water.

 

[drewpster]

Re: Floor question

Very Cool Boat.

Was the system you took out the factory set up? If it was, I would suggest you go back with what came out. It is safer to assume the factory worked out any stress issues the hull design had and employed what they learned in the stringer/ bulkhead/ wing system in the original design.
It is possible given the apparent age of the boat and the fact that it looks to be in great shape that the support system was added in a previous restoration. If you think the the supports were not factory, and you want to promote drainage from the bilge, I would use three longitudinal stringers. One directly centered in the keel. And two either side of the keel stringer. I would also add stiffeners aft in the planing area of the hull on the outside of each side stringer. (similar to the stringer system in my tri-hull below) You can add bulkheads and wings as you see fit or leave them out if the hull is stiff enough. The trick is profiling the stringers so that the deck sits level to the water, (not the keel) as the boat floats stationary. You might consider getting the hull water tight long enough to float it and make some witness marks inside the hull so you build the deck level.
If you add back any wings or bulkheads don?t forget to make limber holes so water trapped in the bilge can drain out the garboard drain. No matter how water tight you make things, water will find a way to get in.

 

[bigredinohio]

Re: Floor question

I agree with the above posts.

 

[drewpster]

Re: Floor question

After a second look it appears the glassed in ribbing is factory. The unglassed ribbing looks as though it was scabbed over the original ribs. Get rid of all that mess! Grind everything back to clean glass and start over. That boat needs a solid restoration. Its a real classic.
How thick is hull fiberglass?
Is the transom shot too?

Man I cant wait to see this one splash. If you get bored let me know, I may take it off your hands.

 

[RICHARD5]

Re: Floor question

If you add back any wings or bulkheads don?t forget to make limber holes so water trapped in the bilge can drain out the garboard drain. No matter how water tight you make things, water will find a way to get in.

It cannot be emphasized enough how important that is. The next best thing you could do is not use plywood when laying in new stringers. For a boat that size I'm not convinced you need to replace that skeleton. Crimony, I've seen less deck support in way larger boats. Instead, lay out some blocks glassed to the hull for deck support. And maybe 3 cross members. If you're still concerned for hull integrity, lay in some Kevlar strips on the diagonal for longitudinal stiffness.

 

[jonndena]

Re: Floor question

I'm not sure of the thickness of the hull but the exterior fiberglass is like almost perfect. This was a kit boat from what i have found and i don't know if that stringer layout was original or not. There was absolutely no drainage with the existing layout and that is what i am trying to avoid doing again.

 

[TojosMojo]

Re: Floor question

a little off subject but I also love that Merc, does it run, or have you tried to turn it over?

 

[lowkee]

Re: Floor question

At first glance, I would consider making two stringers running the lengthand a third center one running from 1/2 way back to the transom, as that stern area is quite a span for the decking. That transom looks pretty well pooched, as well. Don't replace the deck and stringers just to have to remove the transom later (and mess up your deck work). From the looks of the original stringer lines, you have a good five stringers towards the stern, which seems like total overkill unless they used 3/8" plywood or something really flimsy as the decking.

 

[jonndena]

Re: Floor question

The Merc does run , a little rough but i think i can save her. (;