Re: 1996 Chapparal 235XLC Stringers and Hull support
Jonesgw
I lurk here MUCH more than I post as most of the other guys know a lot more than I do. In reading my post above, I may have been too negative. You can visit the restoration forums and see some of the amazing things some of these guys have done with just a bare hull. So it is possible, but as you have no emotional attachment to the boat (it was hard to see mine of sixteeen years crushed in the landfill!) I just don't think the work needed is justified. Again, I would suggest that you either find a better hull and install your engine and drive or just sell the boat as is ( to someone who needs and engine and drive!)
I loved my old 2335's looks and the way it rode and handled, but a twenty year old boat is still a twenty year old boat and another summer eating fiberglass dust instead of boating just didn't seem worth it to me. However there are days when I look at the used boats for a 2335 and think "I could fix that up" But then I look at the restoration forum and remember the time I spent fixing mine the first time and I think "I could just go fishing instead"
Whatever you decide, good luck. For what its worth I have started a new project boat, an old 25 ft Donzi cuddy, but I made sure the hull, deck, stringers and transom were in good shape before I bought it. New motor, new upholstery, new electronics BUT no fiberglass work.
Gil