New Stringers???

[barbender55]

Hi gents. I was working on my boat this week end when I decided to check the stringers (should have kept my hands in my pocket). Turns out they are rotten & wet. Boat is a 1979 22ft Campion. My question is how important are stringers in a boat that size? I assume that it would be best for me to replace them all. However I have never attempted a job that big. I have read some of the previous posts on the subject but any other info would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: New Stringers???

They are very important, regardless of size. The hull, stringers, transom, and floor form the integrity of the hull, and any compromised part of that structure causes a boat to be less than optimal. Can you still run the boat? Yeah, but do you really want to trust that the hull shell alone will hold up in pounding waters? It is not as bad a job to replace them as it sounds, and you end up with a boat that will last as long as you want it to. Your peace of mind alone is worth the work. Good luck...

 

[barbender55]

Re: New Stringers???

Thanks Jason. That is what I figured, just needed to hear it from somone a bit more experienced. I see some others on this site have similar experiences. Hopefully it will go well. Thanks again for taking the time to answer.

 

[jfholijr]

Re: New Stringers???

Sorry for HiJacking this thread but this question is for Jason. I also am getting under way with reflooring, stringers and transom in my bass boat and I'm for sure am going to use polyester resin, but what troubles me is do I need or have to use finishing resin or can I use laminating resin? I want to use laminating resin as I don't want to have to continually sand my joints between fixing each stringer as I go. Under the floor where the sunlight is not going to be is there any need for using finishing resin?

 

[Bondo]

Re: New Stringers???

ANY Resin Should be Sanded between coatings.......Especially Polyester........ Period......<br /><br />Unless it's Hours between coatings,...... If it's Days,... Start Sanding.....

 

[bobinalong]

Re: New Stringers???

Laminating polyester resin requires no sanding to continue a build-up, even after it has kicked off. The reason is that it remains tacky and the surface does not completely harden ready for the next layer. Finishing/surfacing resin will harden and is to be used over the laminated area. You can cause the laminating resins surface to harden by placing a sheet of plastic over it while it sets. Finishing resins must be sanded between coats.

 

[prolinews]

Re: New Stringers???

Did a stringer job last year on a bass boat took several weekends and a few cuss words. The hardest part for me was taking the top of the boat off the gunnel, decks console live wells all were attached as one piece took a bunch of extra hands and was fairly fragile.