1990 Cajun 17' F&S Reincarnation

[Sal89]

New to forum, but have read posts for hours. Great stuff and thanks for the resource. Quick background (same as many other's stories): 1990 Cajun 115 Mariner ... lifetime transom. Got it with factory trailer for very cheap. Hasn't floated since 2007. Floors rotted, Foam soaked, Stringers wet but not rotted. I have removed the top, floor, and foam. I exposed the stringers by drilling through the glass every few inches or so and dried the stringers with fans for weeks. Stringers are in good shape. Will need one minor scarf.

I have read tons of the stringer fix posts on this sight and think I have a plan, but I wanted to run it by the experts to make sure I am on the right track:
1) The existing glass on the stringers was not done well or is in bad shape or both. Bubbles, delamination, cracks, etc. My plan is to cut all the existing glass off to about 1 inch above the hull.
2) Ensure the stringers are dry
3) Coat the stringers in epoxy resin
4) Add fillets to the base of the stringer/glass at hull
5) Add limber holes (lots of resin, pvc pipe, glass). I am going back with XPS insulation board not poured.
6) Glass everything in 1708

Based on what I have read, I think 2 - 6 are the right plan. I am not sure on #1. Is it OK to leave an inch of the old glass and tabbing on the stringers and glass over it with new glass / tabs. I know that I need to prep / grind the old before re-glassing.

Thoughts?

 

[Woodonglass]

Uhmmm sorry to rain on your parade but...Once the stringers are wet, they will eventually rot regardless if you dry them or not. You're already there and the expense to replace them is minimal. It's your boat and you are free to do as you see fit. It's just this Old Dumb Okies opinion that they should be replaced. If you use epoxy you DON'T use 1708. You just need 17oz cloth/fabric. Cajun used a honeycomb composite on their transom so...as you stated it should be good to go.

 

[Sal89]

Woodonglass ... thanks for the good feedback. I have gone back and forth on replacing the stringers, but given the time I have available and the fact I need about 5 years out of it ... I'm going with re-glassing. Couple of things:
1) Any thoughts on item 1 ... i.e. leaving the bottom inch and tabs of the old glass in an redoing the rest?
2) Why no 1708? Is it compatibility with Epoxy? I thought there was a 1708 like that was OK with Epoxy?

 

[Woodonglass]

If you go forward then leaving 1" at the bottom should be OK. Epoxy has it's own binders in the mix and therefor CSM is NOT needed to keep the resin from cracking. You can use it but...It only soaks up more of the expensive epoxy and adds NO strength to the layup. Why use it if it's not needed and will cost you more money!!!
I understand your reason, just don't agree with it. Make sure, If and when you sell the boat in the future, you tell the buyer how you did the repairs.

 

[Sal89]

Woodonglass do you think there is any chance Cajun used pressure treated wood from the factory? I scarfed in a minor repair to one of the stringers and when I cut the old stringer, I noticed that it has a green tone to it ... like pressure treated? I am wondering if the stringers have been done before and that's why the existing glass is done so poorly ....

I will definitely tell the next owner ...

 

[Woodonglass]

Post some pics and we can SEE what you're seeing.

 

[harleyman1975]

I am with Wood on this one. Replace the wood now and know it will last another 25 years and not a "hopeful" 5.

 

[Sal89]

All,

I am finally nearing the end of an 18 month full (top off) restoration of this 1990 174ZW with its original 115 Mariner. Completed 90% of the wiring this weekend, but have one question that I though you guys might be able to help me with. The batteries are located in a compartment on the starboard side under the rear fishing deck and behind the passenger seats. The compartment is large enough to hold probably 4 batteries but does not have any battery trays. I am installing 2 batteries. Does anyone know if the batteries were originally positioned on the starboard side or nearer to the center of this compartment? I would think closer to the center is better, but the access hole for the sump / bilge is right there. If I needed to get a look (or hand) down there while on the water, I would have to move the batteries. Not ideal in a potential urgent situation on the water.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Ron

 

[Bayou Dave]

Don't know about your boat, but mine has the starter battery on the starboard side behind the seat, under the deck, and has 2 batteries for the TM in the center.