Started Tearing Out the Floor

[hgmatt]

So, I decided that it would be a good time to start replacing the floor in my 89 Bayliner Capri. Just a little background, I bought the boat this summer, spent hours working with the engine, skiing, drinking, having a great time. The previous owner replaced the floor several months before I purchased it, but for as long as I have had it, the floor near the rear seats has been loose and bows when you walk on it. I tore out the carpet to discover that a poor fiberglass job and a warped, "un-tabbed" PT plywood floor were to blame. So at this point my assumption was the PO did a quick and dirty floor replacement to cover up a bigger problem.
So, I removed the floor to discover that the stringers were not rotten, but the cross-members were completlely gone. So, here are my questions:
I can just grind out these members, treat the area for rot (antifreeze) replace & refiberglass them, right? Also, the PO attached the floor to the gas tank, by missing the stringer and screwing directly into the gas tank, can I patch this with marine tex or 3M 4200, or someother expoxy?

Thanks in advanced

 

[Robj]

Re: Started Tearing Out the Floor

If your stringers are OK and you are removing the rotten bulkheads, then you do not need to worry about rot and do not need antifreeze. If your stringers are rotten, then they need to be replaced also. Regarding your fuel tank, the only way I would think that it can be possibly repaired is by taking it to a plastic shop and see if they can plastic weld it. Otherwise I think that you need to buy a new tank. You do not want to mess with the possibility of fuel leaking into your bilge.

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[JB]

Re: Started Tearing Out the Floor

Even Bilgeliners have decks, not floors. Floors go in buildings.

 

[Nova II 260]

Re: Started Tearing Out the Floor

Properly, you should pull the tank, drain it and have that hole welded. Since the screw hole is on top you could sand the area clean and rough, put a stainless machine screw with a fuel proof washer (similar to your sending unit) in the hole and can cover it with JB weld. Being on top it should see very little fuel.

 

[Robj]

Re: Started Tearing Out the Floor

I assumed that the tank was plastic. If so nothing much will stick to it. That is why I suggested getting it plastic welded.

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[jddenham]

Re: Started Tearing Out the Floor

I have the same exact boat. It should have an aluminum tank.

I'd like to see some pics - might help us give you advice.

 

[hgmatt]

Re: Started Tearing Out the Floor

Well, I started getting further into the tear out and I think that I am mistaken about the stringers. Originally, I grinded the fiberglass off the tops of the stringers about 3 in. from where the cross bracing connects, and found the wood to be dry and pretty. After grinding out the cross bracing, I discovered that the stringers were rotten towards the middle and bottom.

So, my plan has changed a little and it looks like I will need to replace the stringers. How does this work as a plan: Grind the tops of the stringers, grind/remove out all wood, replace with 2x4s & use 3m 5200 glue to them to the hull. Then using stainless machine screws & more 5200, screw the fiberglass stringers into the wood. Once this has been completed, resining over the screws to seal them from water. As for the tops of the stringers, fiberglass them with a 2 layers of roving sandwiched between 3 layers of mat.

I'm still trying to tear out my gas tank, apparently, someone decided that it would be best to fiberglass that sucker to the stringers and then use fiberglass as a filler on the sides. I should have it out tonight as well as pictures of before and after. Oh, and the tank is aluminum, so I think that I might try and find a welding shop to just spot weld it shut. The whole is the size of a deck screw.

Questions: I am I going over kill on the stringers? Should I use PT 2x4s, PT plywood, normal 2x4s or plywood as stringers?

Thanks for the help.

 

[seafrog]

Re: Started Tearing Out the Floor

When I replaced my stringers and floor, I used knot-free Douglas Fir for the stringers, (mine were 2x8). I was told not to use PT, due to moisture content. The doug fir is not cheap - especially knot-free finish grade. I first treated the stringers with epoxy sealer and then bedded them into the hull with epoxy resin. Then, I applied several layers of glass, overlapping to the hull. I used marine grade ply for the deck which I secured to the stringers with SS screws and sealed with resin. After drilling several holes to fill voids with foam, layers of glass were applied over the deck.

Just a note......DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED! Take this on one small chunk at a time and try not to look at the bigger picture too much and overwhelm yourself. I found this one piece of advice allowed me to maintain my sanity and finish the job.

Good luck!

 

[hgmatt]

Re: Started Tearing Out the Floor

My stringers are not a "rotten mess," but they have begun to rot & I would say that I have about 60% good wood left. I got a crappy rendering of what my stringers look like. You'll have to use your imagination.
What would be the best way to remove the wood from the stringers? My angle grinder doesn't go deep enough & after about 5 minutes (probably less) begins to just burn the wood. I've tried the circular saw, but it doesn't go deep enough either, and I really don't like using it in an application where I'm ripping wood.

I've been reading that a chain saw is a good tool to use for removing the wood from a transom. Would this be a good tool for the stringers as well? I'm trying to leave the fiberglass sides of the stringers intact.

 

[Nova II 260]

Re: Started Tearing Out the Floor

Cheap $30.00 Electric Chain Saw. You'll hear it touching the FG and it won't damage anything. Hold it lightly, but firm, let the chain do the work.

 

[Nova II 260]

Re: Started Tearing Out the Floor

Cheap $30.00 Electric Chain Saw. You'll hear it touching the FG and it won't damage anything. Hold it lightly, but firm, let the chain do the work.

Yes, leave your sides up.

 

[Robj]

Re: Started Tearing Out the Floor

The proper fix is to remove the old stringer and replace with new. I used pressure treated ply that dried indoors for about 1 month. I laminated two pieces together. If you decide to remove the stringers, you can bed the new ones in resin putty and then glass them to the hull. Be careful not to create hardspots when you install the new stringers. The way you suggested is not the right way to do the repair.

Have a great day.

Rob.