Newbie - With New Project

[Jettyman]

Newbie here - First off, this site is awesome (I've been searching and lurking for a while). Anyways, I just bought a very sweet 17 ft center console Manatee (I know I know...not much info on these boats). Well I've pulled the floor which was previously replaced (not correctly) and have removed all of the saturated foam.

The stringers are very solid, but there is some rot on the one in the center where the wood was exposed. This center stringer is a 2 x 10 - the other stringers are still covered with heavy fiberglass matting and are solid.

Now the questions

1. If the stringers are solid ( I can walk on them without them flexing) should I just dry them out or should I replace them?

2. Also, is anyone familiar with this boat? It's just under 17 feet with a big deep V in the front and a flat bottom (similar to the Aquasport flatbacks) - The title says it's 18' 6" but the tape puts it under 17

3. If I do decide to replace the stringer - do you recommend the PREfoRms? they looks sweet and will really cut down on the weight?

Thanks in advance - Hopefully I'll have some pics up soon.

I LOVE THis BOAT

 

[oops!]

Re: Newbie - With New Project

hey jettyman,

welcome to i boats!

good people here. lots of knowlage.

i would re place the center string... sounds like your allready there....

so just do it..

choice of materials is yours. weight difference will be about 35 lbs. is it worth the bucks? u be the judge.

want info on materials? hit search.

good to have you aboard.

cheers
oops

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Newbie - With New Project

you can use preform ( i never have) or 3/4 exterior plywood, or marine, laminated together, and a 4 foot lap joint. stronger than the 2x10.

 

[SgtMaj]

Re: Newbie - With New Project

Welcome to the forum. Your post mentions drying the other stringers, did the wood get wet? If so, I would recommend replacing them. They should be completely sealed. If they have gotten wet, then I would recommend replacing them all, because even if they havn't rotted yet, it's only a matter of time before they either rot or dry rot. Either way, it's easier to replace them all now while you're re-doing the deck than to have to pull out the deck later to redo the stringers in 5 or 10 years. Do it right once and it should last a lifetime. Plus you'll have the satisfaction of knowing it was done right, not to mention all the fun you'll have being covered in itchy fiberglass dust for months on end.

 

[Jettyman]

Re: Newbie - With New Project

Should I be concerned with the hull distorting when I remove the center beam Stringer?

My plan is to remove the center stringer, grind the hull smooth, install new stringer - then start on the outboard ones, one at a time - does this sound logical?

 

[drewmitch44]

Re: Newbie - With New Project

Yea your right about the fiberglass dust!! Ive been grinding and grinding im getting close to being done with removing everything myself. I cant wait til im working with new materials!! It's a lot of work but its fun to me. except when you are covered with glass dust.