Stringers / Ribs = 2x8, 1x8s or ply??

[pmtom1]

OK... my "carpet replace" turned into "just one small piece of deck" into "entire deck / stringers!!" I know im not the first and I'm sure i wontr be the last.

Anyways, been reading up on this and thanks to the forum feel confident in doing it.

I see alot of people doing FANTASTIC job using different materials and I know some is opinion, some is budget but wondering main differences between using 2x8s vs 2) 1x8s vs ply sheets for stringers / ribs.

thanks!
1989 Wellcraft 186 Eclipse

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Stringers / Ribs = 2x8, 1x8s or ply??

Get a sheet of 3/4" exterior plywood and double up on the thickness. It will give you the strongest stringer's in the fastest time and you cut it to fit.

Using plywood is just easier for the work and more forgiving then dimensional stock lumber.

 

[RB78]

Re: Stringers / Ribs = 2x8, 1x8s or ply??

OK... my "carpet replace" turned into "just one small piece of deck" into "entire deck / stringers!!" I know im not the first and I'm sure i wontr be the last.

Anyways, been reading up on this and thanks to the forum feel confident in doing it.

I see alot of people doing FANTASTIC job using different materials and I know some is opinion, some is budget but wondering main differences between using 2x8s vs 2) 1x8s vs ply sheets for stringers / ribs.

thanks!
1989 Wellcraft 186 Eclipse

I've run in to the same situation. Outstanding info in this site, but a very useful tool identified in here is a book titled 'Runabout Renovation' by Jim Anderson. It can be found on Amazon. Great how-to info in there for the project you are facing, and he addresses the woods to use. He recommends pressure treated Fir or Yellow Pine for the stringers. Hope this helps you some.

 

[CarTuner]

Re: Stringers / Ribs = 2x8, 1x8s or ply??

Plywood would be a much stronger material to use for the stringers. Just replicate the thickness of the original stringers by gluing various sheets together (if needed).

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Stringers / Ribs = 2x8, 1x8s or ply??

I've run in to the same situation. Outstanding info in this site, but a very useful tool identified in here is a book titled 'Runabout Renovation' by Jim Anderson. It can be found on Amazon. Great how-to info in there for the project you are facing, and he addresses the woods to use. He recommends pressure treated Fir or Yellow Pine for the stringers. Hope this helps you some.

Based on that book ..... it was written before pressure treated wood formula's were changed. New pressure treated wood requires special fastener's or the copper in the wood will react and eat away the metal. Pressure treated wood must also be properly dried to apply resins (epoxy or polyester).

None of the new PT wood can be or should be used near any aluminum either. Regular exterior plywood (or marine plywood if you are willing to pay the long yard money) will work fine.

 

[pmtom1]

Re: Stringers / Ribs = 2x8, 1x8s or ply??

Thanks guys!

Im going to start a rebuild thread with pic today as this is now officially a project!

 

[dannyual767]

Re: Stringers / Ribs = 2x8, 1x8s or ply??

I agree with Bob VT. I'm a member on a high performance boat forum and this question comes up there as well. All the reading I've done says to steer away from pressure treated wood.

 

[clockwatcher]

Re: Stringers / Ribs = 2x8, 1x8s or ply??

Quality ply is a strong, straight, dry laminate. If you need stringers longer than 8', double it up. The only down side I've had is splintered edges sometimes when cutting (especially with the router). Those are sanded smooth.