1968 Stringer Replacement

[mfallesen]

I have a specific question about replacing wood stringers in my 1968 Larson Volero...

First here's a picture of what's left of the stringer after I removed the 1" by 10" piece of wood (that laid flat). The foam is in good shape and does not appear to be replaced.

I thought I would just fiber-glass back over the top of the stringer after I replace the wood, but wasn't sure if I needed to clean (for adhesion) the existing fiberglass that I would bond to. If so, what product would you recommend to clean it?

 

[Gypsystar17]

Re: 1968 Stringer Replacement

you need to rough it up with 60 grit then clean with acetone

 

[mfallesen]

Re: 1968 Stringer Replacement

Thank you Gypsystar. I really appreciate the guidance.

 

[drewpster]

Re: 1968 Stringer Replacement

You need to use a grinder and clean the areas where new glass is bonding to old. Grind the surface until you get clean fiberglass. The dark areas could be water intrusion which darkens the surface and carries contaminates in to the surface. That needs to get removed before new glass is laid in. If you put new glass over contaminated glass the bond will fail over time. Unfortunately roughing the surface may not be enough.

 

[RandomNoise]

Re: 1968 Stringer Replacement

I think I have the exact same boat. '68 Larson 17' closed bow runabout with a Mercury 1000 that seems to have been on the boat since '68. Like you I need to replace the floor, the last guy who did it did a horrible job. (This coming from me who knows nothing of boats).

So I got the front section of floor up and the top of the stringers is dark. They had a few screws through the deck into the stringers and...well, they had no hold at all, wouldn't unscrew and just pulled right up. So I've got some digging to do there yet to see what's going on.

Your photo of the stringers looks very familiar except that mine have a very coarse fiberglass cloth coming up the each of the sides and then maybe covering two inches of the top. Then there is about a three inch gap across the top where wood is exposed. The stringers therefore look like an 8" by 10" beam. That can't be right, can it? Or are these maybe an upside down U of something like 3/4" plywood spaced several inches apart with something between them?

Mfallesen, do you have any more detailed photos of your stringers and how you eventually put in the floor? It would sure help. I will try to get organized and get some photos of mine up soon.

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: 1968 Stringer Replacement

This is a year old thread....may not get much response from it.

 

[RandomNoise]

Re: 1968 Stringer Replacement

Yeah, I know. Just kind of hoping though. I'm finding lots about stringers, just not seeing anything quite like these. And I'm assuming that under the 1"X10" that is all just foam. If that's the case, I wonder if I can do this on the trailer or if I should rig up something else to support the boat before I pull off that 1"X10". Maybe someone will pop in here. If not I'll gather up my photos and start a new thread.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: 1968 Stringer Replacement

I'll gather up my photos and start a new thread.

Thats always the best bet for your particular situation ..

Your boat..your thread..your pics ..your personal Iboats resto thread .

You will get better up to the date info when you start by saying hello and then ask for help with PICS .. .

YD.

 

[RandomNoise]

Re: 1968 Stringer Replacement

Thats always the best bet for your particular situation ..

Your boat..your thread..your pics ..your personal Iboats resto thread .

You will get better up to the date info when you start by saying hello and then ask for help with PICS .. .

YD.

Thanks YD. I think I was trying to ease in too gently and needed to just take the plunge. I started my thread last night.