Questions about stringers in a 1973 columbia tri hull.

[knightvision]

I'm new to the site, and just started restoring a deck in this tri hull, got the transom and floor all out of the boat, and found 1 stringer down the beam, and one inactive stringer on each side of the beam, I believe it is a hat style inactive stringer, well my questions are this, They are cracked in two places on one side and three on the other. Are these fixable and what is the best way for me to fix them, or should I replace them with active stringers as the boat deck was not level by an means. The center beam is rotted badly, and I got it out in tack to find that it is a 12' 2x10 at the bow shaved down to 4" at the transom. If anyone could help me I would greatly appreciate it. Oh yeah, also there was blown in foam under the deck and that all was water soaked. What should I replace that with. I will put some pictures on here asap.

Thanks for the help.
Mark Knight

 

[saltwaterbluefish]

Re: Questions about stringers in a 1973 columbia tri hull.

If you have to put in a new keel stringer, might as well replace the others since they are cracked. Also it would be better in the long run to completely replace then to fix with a a patch (pictures would help to confirm this though). If you got out the keel stringer use it as a template and this will make cutting much easier. Foam is always a debate. If you make proper drain channels for water to get out, then I say put foam in it. Remember that foam should be balanced in the boat (For example match what you put on the left with what you put on the right and also what you put up front with what you put in the back). I like using the two-part foam and mixing small batches in 16 oz plastic cups and pouring it one at a time.

 

[knightvision]

Re: Questions about stringers in a 1973 columbia tri hull.

Thanks for the info, so would you put inactive strings where there are inactive or replace them with active stringers. I will get some photos on here for you too look asap. I'm in hopes to save the old girl, I don't think she ever had much attention. I know that the photos will help a lot so I will get on that.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[saltwaterbluefish]

Re: Questions about stringers in a 1973 columbia tri hull.

The rule of thumb has always been build it back the way it was originally, but a photo of the design will determine alot.

 

[knightvision]

Re: Questions about stringers in a 1973 columbia tri hull.

I'm not sure how to upload the photos but I'm trying hopefully this will work.
These are what the stringers look like on the left and right of the boat they go up the sides about 8 feet. both are cracked in two to three places. If these don't give you an idea I will try to send more. Thanks,
Mark Knight

 

[knightvision]

Re: Questions about stringers in a 1973 columbia tri hull.

There I think I got all three views, if you need more let me know. thanks for ya help I will need plenty of it.

Mark

 

[knightvision]

Re: Questions about stringers in a 1973 columbia tri hull.

No need to respond anyone on this matter, as a bad thunderstorm ripped through last night, high winds and the big ash tree on my lawn was more than the tri hull good bare. right down the middle of the top side she landed. On to a 60 something Glastron. I'm sure I will need some advice.

Thanks, Mark

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Questions about stringers in a 1973 columbia tri hull.

"On to the next project" Now that's a good way to look at it.

 

[saltwaterbluefish]

Re: Questions about stringers in a 1973 columbia tri hull.

That really bites. Sorry to hear