Step by Step, Deck and Stringers

[sladers]

Hello iboats!

Well, I decided to take out the mushy deck on my 18.5' 1981 Galaxie tri-hull. I new it would be bad, but I couldn't even imagine this. After reading the forums about Deck replacement, I realized that I was probably going to have to replace the stingers. So....I pulled up the deck. It turns out that it had a new deck installed not long ago and the previous owner was kind enough to put in 2x4's instead of new stringers. The 2x4 aren't glassed in or attached in any way to the hull. But they are bolted to what's left of the old stringers. Yes folks...craftsmanship at its best. I am going to post my progress (with photos), as I tackle this project. I would love any friendly advise. I've never done this before and I'm new to boating altogether. But I love this boat and the Merc 165 I-6 I/O is in pretty good shape.

I do have one question. Can anyone tell me how to set the stringers in the open bow section without separating the two halves of the boat?

Well off to grind some fiberglass............

before pic

Yuck!!!

 

[salty87]

Re: Step by Step, Deck and Stringers

that looks like one fine hack job.

how to replace the stringers without separating that halves? that's a tough one that's mostly dependent on the room you have to work with. in a boat of this size there won't be much. i'm sure that had something to do with the PO's decision to butcher it quickly. that leaves you with the choice of splitting it or arranging some other sort of fix.

you really need to pull the engine and top half to do the repair correctly. you'll pretty much end up laying a whole new layer of fiberglass in the hull if you cut out the old stringers, by the book. so, everything must go or it will be in the way....and getting covered by the nastiest dust around.

there are quicker fixes but as you've seen, they don't last too long. if you love the boat and want to keep it for more than a season or 2 it's worth doing a good job...if you can.

lots of help around here if you need it.

 

[jlaudio29]

Re: Step by Step, Deck and Stringers

yikes. cant wait to see the progress pics!

 

[ml8163]

Re: Step by Step, Deck and Stringers

Hey sladers,

I'm in somewhat of the same prediciment as you (http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=237109). I feel your pain and good luck!

 

[oops!]

Re: Step by Step, Deck and Stringers

hey sladers.

welcome to i boats.....

you are definitly in the right place.....
the search button is a whole world of great stuff.

the guys here really know their stuff.....so do all the mods...

a big ditto to everything salty said.....

i cant imagine how your gonna get up front and dig the rot without taking off the cap.....the fiberglass floor up front is part of the cap....

im looking foward to seeing the project....

you might want to search "minimum safety equipment"


and salty.....that opening statment was freekin funny...

cheers
oops