Reinell stringers

[cantaris]

Just ripped most of the floors out and have noticed that the stringers have no waterproofing whatso ever. The only fiberglass is in the bilge and the step down in the cabin. The stringers are not attached in any way to the hull. This is a 1971 boat and the stringers have lasted this long. My question is this. Is it really necessary to do all of this work laminating to the hull and waterproofing? I am thinking of useing my extra 2x6 treated deck lumber that has been sitting around for a couple of years. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Robert D]

Re: Reinell stringers

I'm working on a 1972 Reinell, same issue. 2x6 lumber used for stringers, with glass that was used on the stringers only on one side. (And only a couple inches up!) The bilge side had nothing. I also had some extra 2x6 treated deck boards, 16 feet long, drying for 2 or 3 years. I put them in using PL Premium for bedding, and have glassed the boards in all the way. Cheap construction in th eearly 70's, I guess. By the way, most treated deck boards have a copper treatment that prevents mildew, algae....and dry rot. Cutting into the boards, the stuff penetrates all but 1/2 inch of the middle. Should last for decades.