Wellcraft stringers

[10thHawk]

Hello all. New to the forum and pleased with the info and expertise I've read so far. Very informative.

I was trying to find out if Wellcraft encased their stringers in fiberglass in 1987. The boat in question is a 192 Classic with a merc i/o. I was doing some poking around in the engine compartment/bilge area and noticed some dry rotted wood. I'll try to describe the area in question as best I can.

After removing the engine cover, the floor along the port side overhangs about an inch or so. When i slid my finger directly under the floor, there is where i found the dried out wood, about a six inch long area. Its no more than two inches high I'd estimate without being able to see it. Below that area is glass. Forward of the dried out area directly under the floor is solid.Floor above dried out area flexes a bit. Is what I'm feeling the top of the stringer? I've checked the rest of the boat, havent found anything else,rest of the floor and transom are solid.

I'd appreciate any input on this. Thanks.

 

[boatguy19]

Re: Wellcraft stringers

i to have a wellcraft, to answer your question yes they are encased in fiberglass but dont think they dont rot out. i have replaced stringers in alot of wellcrafts from the doghouse to the front of the boat, the back end of them does not seem to go bad to often. i would almost bet that your foam is soaked with water in which case it has to come out, if you have any soft spots at all then its time to start digging around, check around the ski locker and that immediate area.

 

[10thHawk]

Re: Wellcraft stringers

thanks for your response.Wasnt sure what that exposed wood was. I was able to check the foam in that area and its dry. I pulled up the cooler in the center of the floor, along with the insulation under it, all dry as well. No other soft spots in the floor. Hopefully I dont find any other damage, only need this boat another season or two before i get something bigger.