New deck & stringers - How much $$$

[thrasher]

Okay guys,

I got my boat back from the shop, everything mechanical is good, they gave it a full two thumbs up. They said all the woodwork needed attention. I have started changing the bases of all the seats no problem. I started removing the carpet on the deck and although there is only 1 soft spot, the entire deck is rotten. I am now concerned the stringers might also need changing. I absolutely hate working with fiberglass and am quite allergic to it. I am therefore thinking of removing the deck and then have someone else replace the stringers (if they need doing, which I think they will) and possibly put in the new deck. As I have never done this before I am trying to get an idea of the work involved and what it will cost me to have someone do the work. The boat is a 1992 Glastron 19 foot boat with Mercruiser 4.3L V6 and Alpha 1 gen 2 outdrive. So far the boat has cost me $5500 for everything (including purchasing the boat), which doesn't seem too bad to me. I figured that I would be looking at a $1K to change the floor, which is probably worth doing now that I have changed all the electrics and the mechanics are all in tip top shape. What do you guys think? How much should it cost to replace the stringers and install a new deck?
I then have the fun of finding a good shop to do the woodwork in the Austin area.. I will try to remove as much wood as possible, but will not attack the fiberglass as I come out in large blisters on contact with the stuff.

Gary

 

[dancudayo]

Re: New deck & stringers - How much $$$

wow man that stinks that you are allergic to it! I can tell you from my experience it gets all over you though. I wear a mask so I'm not breathing it cause I got asthma, I don't seem to have an attack from it but it is always best to protect yourself. Do you know someone that would love to do it for you, maybe a friend or brother or in my case my nephew loves helping me. Of course I am teaching him cause he is only 10 but maybe you could instruct someone as they do it? If someone else is going to do the work for you I would leave the stringers in place so they can see how it was constructed for putting it all back together. Good luck to you, whatever you do, I'm sure it will make it better for ya, Dan

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: New deck & stringers - How much $$$

$2500. unless you can find someone who does it on the side.

 

[thrasher]

Re: New deck & stringers - How much $$$

Wow, that much!! I better start hoping my stringers are good!!
Thanks TD.

Gary

 

[Robj]

Re: New deck & stringers - How much $$$

I do not know the boat, but for $2,500, to replace a floor and stringers, they must work cheap down there. My guess would have been $3 to 4 k, again depending on the boat. Just materials to do mine probably cost $1,500, maybe even a little more. Everything adds up, $250 just in floatation foam alone. Probably used 10 sheets of ply by the time I put all the wood back for the bowrider part and the engine compartment. You should have got the mechanical work done afterwards, because chances are the engine will have to be removed.

Good luck and have a great day,

Rob.

 

[thrasher]

Re: New deck & stringers - How much $$$

The engine definately doesn't have to come out. I was looking last night and it doesn't look too difficult to remove, but the floor has been glassed into the hull at the edges so I know I have a problem as I am allergic to fiberglass.. Looks like I will be investing in some good barrier cream, gloves and breathing equipment.. Hope to start pulling the floor this weekend. I don't see how I can have $1500 of parts, the deck is 6 feet wide by 12 feet long with a U cut out that goes around the engine. I assume $150 for the wood, $50 for the fiberglass resin and cloth, plus what ever I need for the stringers (when I see them). I will change the floatation foam but didn't think that would be very expensive!! I don't know what the carpet will cost, but I am hoping to be under $500 for all parts, then there is just my time..

Gary

 

[salty87]

Re: New deck & stringers - How much $$$

if your stringers aren't shot, you might get somewhere close to that number. that's really more the cost for soft spots imo.

your wild card is "$50 for the fiberglass resin and cloth". the wood could double in price or a more if the stringers are bad too, the fiberglass materials could go up maybe 10x. add the rest, have to buy any tools or equip?

 

[Robj]

Re: New deck & stringers - How much $$$

Unfortunately I think your estimate is low. $50 for glass and resin, don't think so. If you are replacing only the deck, with the the structure for the bow and stern, it will probably cost you around $400 for the resin and cloth. Remember all the wood needs to be sealed with resin. Besides tabbing in the new and all the other structure, you also need to put a layer of matt on top of the deck. If you are doing the stringers as well, count on $1,500. Believe me, it will end up costing you much more than you think. I made that mistake also.

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[Solittle]

Re: New deck & stringers - How much $$$

If the deck and stringers are bad you best check the transom for rot. Remember things happen in threes.

 

[thrasher]

Re: New deck & stringers - How much $$$

I thought that using marine ply would mean I only have to fiberglass the edges of the wood where it meets the hull? I was not intending to glass the entire floor!! I had the transom checked out (when the removed the outdrive) and also went around hitting it with a hammer myself (and listening to the sound) it all seemed very solid and the shop said they saw no signs of rot or damage to the transom.

I guess the real test will be when I get the floor out, then I can start crying as the parts bill starts to add up.

Thanks for the suggestions and advice.

Gary

 

[Robj]

Re: New deck & stringers - How much $$$

You will need to put a layer of glass on the entire floor. You will see how it was originally done when you remove the old floor. If you don't glass the floor, it will absorb water and you will be doing it again sooner than later. You do not need to glass the bottom, but you still need to coat it with a few coats of resin to seal it. I did not use marine grade, just used exterior grade dougas fir plywood, cheaper. BTW if you will be replacing stringers you will need to remove the motor.

Have a great day,

Rob.