Stringer replacement in Dyna-trak bass boat.

[goatmanjohn]

Hi, im replacing the stringers in my boat and they used 1x's in the original construction. The problem is that the 1x's are over 12 feet long ( 12'-6" to be exact) and places like Home Depot and Lowes only carry lengths to 12 feet long. My question is can i shorten them (stringers) to 12 feet or should i extend them using a lap joint. I also thought about using 2 pieces of 3/8" plywood and stagger them using a layer of fiberglass mat and resin in between them. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Stringer replacement in Dyna-trak bass boat.

Either way will work. You can just add 6" to your length just use a butt joint and double glass where it connects. The glass is more important than the wood anyway. Though I like the plywood idea best. I would glue the plywood together with gorilla glue rather than glass them together. Fiberglass and resin is not as good an adhesive on wood as gorilla or PL. IMHO

 

[goatmanjohn]

Re: Stringer replacement in Dyna-trak bass boat.

Thanks for the quick response George, is the Gorilla glue water resistant? Also what is PL and which would be best.

 

[colbyt]

Re: Stringer replacement in Dyna-trak bass boat.

Any real lumber yard will have 14 or 16 foot ones and will probably cost less than the BORG stores. If I need one I usually just grit my teeth and pay the BORG inflated price. If I need more than that I go to a real lumber yard.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Stringer replacement in Dyna-trak bass boat.

I'd make em out of 3/4" exterior grade plywood (Arauco is a good one) and "Sister" the Joints using 3/8" plywood, Titebond III wood glue(100% waterproof) and Deck screws, 18" overlap for the sisters on either side.

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Stringer replacement in Dyna-trak bass boat.

PL is like liquid nails. I like gorilla best it is water resistant.

 

[goatmanjohn]

Re: Stringer replacement in Dyna-trak bass boat.

Thanks to everyone for their input, you've been most helpfull.