replacing my stringers with wood or an alternative?

[brownboater]

I have a 21' 1971 perform boat. Its stringers are completely rotted and the transom is partly rotted. To clarify. Some have told me to buy a new boat, its not worth the time........ I want to keep it and fix it. The engine and apolstry are almost brand new and the hull is in great shape. Also I don't mind the work.
Ive gutted it and want to replace the stringers and transom. I'm wondering if there's an alternative to using wood for the stringers so I can prevent rot in the future? Someone told me I could cut up foam blocks and cover it in fiberglass. I don't know if that's structural enuff though.

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: replacing my stringers with wood or an alternative?

There are several alternatives but none as practical as wood. Properly installed and sealed wood will last 30 years or more.

 

[KnightWolf]

Re: replacing my stringers with wood or an alternative?

There are composite materials but they are more costly. They come as a sheet just like ply and are used in the same manner. They are up to 50% lighter than wood and as strong. And will never rot. But as I said cost can be 5 times the price of ply.

 

[ingalp01]

Re: replacing my stringers with wood or an alternative?

If you can work the material, i.e. shaping it with saws, sanders, etc. you could consider utilizing composite deck boards in place of your stringers. It is more expensive than ply, but I don't think it would equal 5 times the cost.

I'm re-bunking my trailer with this stuff, and I'll never have to worry about rot, or pressure treating chemicals reacting with my fasteners.

 

[rickryder]

Re: replacing my stringers with wood or an alternative?

It's a no brainer....it's a 1971 boat and the wood lasted till now..... You will do a better job glassing the stringers than the factory did so it should last you a long time. My resto thread will give you a bunch of info....also check out friscoboater's and oops!'s threads Welcome to the dry dock!

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: replacing my stringers with wood or an alternative?

I have a 21' 1971 perform boat. Its stringers are completely rotted and the transom is partly rotted. To clarify. Some have told me to buy a new boat, its not worth the time........ I want to keep it and fix it. The engine and apolstry are almost brand new and the hull is in great shape. Also I don't mind the work.
Ive gutted it and want to replace the stringers and transom. I'm wondering if there's an alternative to using wood for the stringers so I can prevent rot in the future? Someone told me I could cut up foam blocks and cover it in fiberglass. I don't know if that's structural enuff though.

So basically your asking for a total rebuild construction plan ??

No pics ??

Yes you can build up enough glass to form stringers....without wood depending on the construction of the boat ..

YD.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: replacing my stringers with wood or an alternative?

Let me be the first to Welcome you to iBoats!

We REALLY like pics! It is really difficult to give good advice without them. You KNOW what you are dealing with because you can SEE it... We can't. Pics help us to "BE THERE" with you!!!! My signature line has a link on how to post the pics. Post some up and we will be there to help you all along the way with your project.

Welcome Aboard!!!!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: replacing my stringers with wood or an alternative?

Check out this thread which used composites http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=437801