1978 Manatee Stringers

[FLUKEMASTER2065]

I just purchased this as my first boat. I'm really looking forward to the project. The hull and transom are in almost show room floor condition however the floor was not. I just began pulling it up and have noticed some of the stringers are damp and so is the foam. What is the best way for me to begin repairing or removing these. Will be posting pictures ASAP any info is much appreciated.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1978 Manatee Stringers

what has led you to believe the transom is in showroom condition? Have you taken core samples?

 

[FLUKEMASTER2065]

Re: 1978 Manatee Stringers

what has led you to believe the transom is in showroom condition? Have you taken core samples?[metalh
I throughly inspected it done all the hammer checks the metal guard is seald up tiggt is there anything else i should do it doesnt have any give

 

[GT1000000]

Re: 1978 Manatee Stringers

Hi and welcome, FM2065

First question...Is this a fiberglass boat?

GT1M

 

[FLUKEMASTER2065]

Re: 1978 Manatee Stringers

Hi and welcome, FM2065

First question...Is this a fiberglass boat?

GT1M

Yes its a 1978 Manatee runabout with a 84 johnson 115 v4

 

[GT1000000]

Re: 1978 Manatee Stringers

OK, then I have to second what woodonglass said...Have you taken core samples?

Unfortunately boats that are this old...unless they were stored in almost perfect climate controlled conditions...are probably full of the dreaded rot...

I also read something to the effect that there is a metal plate attached to the transom?

If I read that correctly, then that is a pretty definite indicator that the transom is pretty much mulch...Metal plates are put on as a "Band-Aid" repair, when the transom goes soft...

Also, if that's the case, the majority of the sub structural wood is more than likely mulch also...

You will not be sure until you do core samples...tapping, beating or otherwise pounding on the boat with a hammer will not give you the whole story...

Best of Luck,
GT1M

 

[FLUKEMASTER2065]

Re: 1978 Manatee Stringers

OK, then I have to second what woodonglass said...Have you taken core samples?

Unfortunately boats that are this old...unless they were stored in almost perfect climate controlled conditions...are probably full of the dreaded rot...

I also read something to the effect that there is a metal plate attached to the transom?

If I read that correctly, then that is a pretty definite indicator that the transom is pretty much mulch...Metal plates are put on as a "Band-Aid" repair, when the transom goes soft...

Also, if that's the case, the majority of the sub structural wood is more than likely mulch also...

You will not be sure until you do core samples...tapping, beating or otherwise pounding on the boat with a hammer will not give you the whole story...

Best of Luck,
GT1M

Its not a plate its the edgeing material on top of the transom. Its in great shape. How do i take the core samples?

 

[GT1000000]

Re: 1978 Manatee Stringers

OK, that is just a piece of trim that is usually installed to prevent the engine hook from causing rash on the transom...

Core Sampling is done by drilling into the the lowest and rearmost areas you can get to...nearest to the bottom of the transom, you don't want to drill all the way through the transom, just about half way or so into the wood... Do this in several places...You can drill all the way through the stringers and deck...If the shavings come out Light colored and dry...You have hit the jackpot...and you can just seal up the holes you made with some 3M 5200...If they come out dark and wet and mushy...Rot...

 

[FLUKEMASTER2065]

Re: 1978 Manatee Stringers

OK, that is just a piece of trim that is usually installed to prevent the engine hook from causing rash on the transom...

Core Sampling is done by drilling into the the lowest and rearmost areas you can get to...nearest to the bottom of the transom, you don't want to drill all the way through the transom, just about half way or so into the wood... Do this in several places...You can drill all the way through the stringers and deck...If the shavings come out Light colored and dry...You have hit the jackpot...and you can just seal up the holes you made with some 3M 5200...If they come out dark and wet and mushy...Rot...

Ok i can do that. My stringers are soft in some spots but not otgers can i repair them? Also theres no glass right at the bow transition should there be? Ill post pics later today

 

[GT1000000]

Re: 1978 Manatee Stringers

Ok i can do that. My stringers are soft in some spots but not otgers can i repair them? Also theres no glass right at the bow transition should there be? Ill post pics later today

They can probably be repaired if the rot is contained to really small sections and can be completely eradicated from existence...otherwise you'd be setting yourself up for a re-do...the problem is going to come when you start tearing into a section and find that there is more damage, then where do you stop/start......it is usually best to do a complete tear-out and replacement of the entire substructure with fresh, newly glassed over wood...not only will it be 100% solid, but you'll end up with a boat that could possibly outlast you...

I'll wait for the pics on the other matter...

 

[FLUKEMASTER2065]

Re: 1978 Manatee Stringers

They can probably be repaired if the rot is contained to really small sections and can be completely eradicated from existence...otherwise you'd be setting yourself up for a re-do...the problem is going to come when you start tearing into a section and find that there is more damage, then where do you stop/start......it is usually best to do a complete tear-out and replacement of the entire substructure with fresh, newly glassed over wood...not only will it be 100% solid, but you'll end up with a boat that could possibly outlast you...

I'll wait for the pics on the other matter...

I have taken my core samples from the transom and they are golden no sign of water. I have a meeting with a fiberglass guy later this week about my stringers. I'm looking into power it has a 115 Johnson on it but its pretty shot. I'm not looking to fly just comfortably cruise. Def want to go with a Evinrude thinking about a 70 or 80 any thoughts?