WHAT TO DO W/ ROTTEN STRINGERS

[huizc]

Stringers are rotted out in a 1989 Rampage 24' inboard. <br />Engine & transmission mount to 3/16" fiberglass enclosed stringers but the wood is gone! Rot discovered when the transmission failed due to settling of the drive train. The fiberglassed stringers are exposed for much of the top and keel side surfaces. The bulkhead is barely accessable. What can I do without removing the engine & transmission? <br />1.Are pour-able plastic solutions (Seacast or DoctorRot) satisfactory?<br />2.Lay a sister metal beam on top to support the drive train? <br />Thanks for sharing your experience.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: WHAT TO DO W/ ROTTEN STRINGERS

welcome aboard,<br />I'm afraid there are no shortcuts here cadet.<br />wood is better for stringers because it flexes.<br />keep in mind that fibreglass is only a shell over<br />a wooden structural frame... by itself, it will<br />easily break under stress (especially on 24' hull)<br />no small job is an understatement, but it can be<br />done if you have the time and skill and all the<br />boatnuts that hang out here at Iboats <br />good luck,<br />M.Y.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: WHAT TO DO W/ ROTTEN STRINGERS

Yup, like MY says. Bite the bullet and find yourself an engine hoist. Lots of info, here, on techniques and materials and always someone to help answer your specific questions.<br /><br />When it's all said and done you could have a better boat than new plus the knowledge and pride of having done it yourself.<br /><br />Good luck and welcome aboard!