What type of wood do you use for stringers on an aluminum boat.

V

vtlandscaper

Recruit
Joined
Jul 15, 2012
Messages
2
Hi Guys,

Just bought a Starcraft Holiday 18'. The boat has no floor or stringers in it. I know PT is a bad Idea around aluminum, but will common lumber last? should I look for some Hemlock? If I use common lumber should I coat it with epoxy. I will have more questions down the road. Thanks
 
rheagler

rheagler

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 14, 2007
Messages
662
Re: What type of wood do you use for stringers on an aluminum boat.

The original aluminum stringers are gone? If so, I would look into replacing them with aluminum. There have been enough resto's that somebody should be able to give you dimensions. If you can't go with aluminum I think I would go with laminated lumber (LVL) coated with epoxy. It's really strong and would be stable and straight. The downside of that is you will have to rip them to size and the material is heavy and expensive. Have fun. Let's see some pics!
 
bgc

bgc

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Joined
Jul 13, 2011
Messages
980
Re: What type of wood do you use for stringers on an aluminum boat.

...The stuff I would use comes from this kinda tree....

Aluminum-Christmas-Tree.jpg


...but seriously Marine plywood and if you want water proofing, CSM with 635 epoxy.
 
roscoe

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,665
Re: What type of wood do you use for stringers on an aluminum boat.

Not going to call them stringers, because they were more floor supports than hull supports.

The original's were aluminum.
There was no wood below the plywood decking.

You need to go to the Starcraft forum,

http://forums.iboats.com/Starcraft_Boats?boatid=243

and take a look at the restoration threads at the top.


http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=494143

Then ask your questions there, they are the experts.

This is what it should look like:




IMG_4643.jpg
 
V

vtlandscaper

Recruit
Joined
Jul 15, 2012
Messages
2
Re: What type of wood do you use for stringers on an aluminum boat.

Hi Guys

Thanks for all of the input! Went to local steel yard and got aluminum tubing. I will check out the forems you suggested.

Thanks
Vtlandscaper
 
Bob_VT

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
Staff member
Joined
May 19, 2001
Messages
26,022
Re: What type of wood do you use for stringers on an aluminum boat.

Contact Mac Steel in Rutland and he has all sorts of aluminum channel as well as other shapes and sizes :)

Welcome to iboats Vermonter!! :D
 
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