Rotten Stringers/bulkhead/transom

[Knotenuftime]

I have a 1991 Wellcraft 2600 Coastal that recently had the exhaust collector or "Y" as it is commonly known replaced because of a leak that rapidly filled the bilge while 50 miles offshore. The engines are 2007 4.3L Vortecs and it was discovered that the 2 inboard and 2 outboard stringers were rotten all the way to the aft bulkhead which was rotten 1/3rd of the way up. So after removal of second engine and removal of stringers it was discovered that the transom was wet. Now I've decided to go ahead and have the work done( will post some pics later) and the 2 outbrd stringers have rot forward of the aft bulkhead. My question is because of the difficulty in getting to these areas, are these 2 stringers crucial in the seawortiness of this boat or is most of the stress in the engine area and aft of the rear bulkhead. As you can imagine this is a major deal and all suggestions would be appreciated so far I am at 11k.

 

[thrillhouse700]

Re: Rotten Stringers/bulkhead/transom

Holy crapola!!!! 11K? So by the price and your choice of wording, it is safe to assume you are paying someone to do this? Any reason why you don't want to try and tackle this beast by yourself? Either way sounds like you really like the boat. To somewhat and hopefully answer your question, when wood rots its like rust on an old car, it will spread fast. So while your having the work done you might as well have it done right the first time to keep from having to do it again.

If you want to give it a shot yourself, there are TONS of people on this board who are willing to walk you through it. They walked me through it knowing nothing about boats I am half way through a complete tear down and rebuild. Cost for me so far is about 1k and 30 days of labor.

 

[Knotenuftime]

Re: Rotten Stringers/bulkhead/transom

I felt that this was a little over my head. I own a cabinetshop and I equate my time with making custom cabinets . Removing both engines, outdrives and glassing new stringers, bulkheads, and transom and reinstalling everything seemed to be something that i felt a pro should do. I guess that if i had more time and a place to do it than i might take this on. Its one of those things that started as a simple fix to a major deal , but thats how boat ownership goes i suppose

 

[thrillhouse700]

Re: Rotten Stringers/bulkhead/transom

HAHA oh man I hear ya. All we had was a cracked motor mount block, now its an empty hull with a new stringer, transom and bilge installed. If you had the time I would say you are MORE than qualified as a cabinet maker. I have been doing very amateur wood work my whole life and this boat just comes natural to me. Either way man I wish you the best of luck and please show us some pics!!!