No stringers? Is it possible.

[NealLauderman]

Is it possible that my boat may not have wood stringers? It is a 1979 Lucraft Bass Boat. 17ft.

I am just curious. The reason I ask is because the owner before me cut out the front livewell so he could see the bottom of the boat for some reason. When I look down there I dont see any wood stringers like in other boat projects I have been seeing get done on here. THOUGH, I cant see too much and I am also looking up towards the front of the boat. Below are some pictures so you can help me decide.

It the middle one where the bottom is cut out...

Here is a pic down in it...

I cant look down towards the back of the boat in that whole because the wall is in the way and its a smaller gap at the floor.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: No stringers? Is it possible.

On my 16' aluminum boat the stringers don't really start until a couple feet back where the bottom starts flattening out.

 

[NealLauderman]

Re: No stringers? Is it possible.

hmmmm that could be too! So far so good. I pulled the chairs up on the deck and and the floor is like 2 inches thick lol. It all feels solid except one spot which is over near the front corner and I was told there use to be a wooden storage box in that location and it had rotted. Not a normal place where you would step so I am gonna run her for the season and see what I want to do.

 

[i386]

Re: No stringers? Is it possible.

It's possible. M 15 footer doesn't. Lucky me.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: No stringers? Is it possible.

Yes, it is possible. Just depends on the overall design of the hull. My 1965 Lonestar 16.5ft Medallion II aluminum boat had no stringers and used what the manufacturer called "Foam-Pac" construction. This was solid foam below the plywood floor sealed with fiberglass from bow to stern. The only way you can answer your own question is to cut exploratory holes in the floor with a hole saw and then replace the plugs when satisfied. However, you have to be VERY careful making holes in the floor because you may do damage to things like fuel tanks, ribs, the stringers themselves and if you slip, the hull!

 

[sdunt]

Re: No stringers? Is it possible.

My opinion of that photo is that there is glassed over stringer sticking up right in the middle of the opening. And, or as already said, the other stringer could stop short of the front of the boat, mine do as well.

If possible stick your digital camera down in the hole and take some pictures and see what you can se..

 

[jeffengle]

Re: No stringers? Is it possible.

It could be. I have a friend that has a mid 70s tri hull with a Volvo engine and stern drive and the only wood in the boat is sringers right next to the side of the boat to attach the plywood floor to. There isn't even any motor mounts for the 6 cyl volvo engine. It is attached to the bellhousing only​