stringers on 87 bumblebee bass boat

[bee manager]

are the stringers on a bumblebee bass boat 87 model wood or fiberglass because my transom is wet but the floor feels and looks solid. If anyone could answer please help! thanks

 

[bakerjw]

Re: stringers on 87 bumblebee bass boat

I am not an expert, but if I were to place a wager, I'd say that they're plywood of some sort wrapped in fiberglass. Quality is important, but companies are out to make money which means doing things as quickly and cheaply as possible. fiberglass on wood seems to fit that paradigm.

What year is it?

Post some pictures as well. Some of the regulars will be able to point out where you should look to see if there are any areas that might also have "issues". From what I've seen here on the forums, a wet transom often means wet stringers and bulkheads.

 

[GT1000000]

Re: stringers on 87 bumblebee bass boat

Hello and welcome to the Iboats Dry Dock, bee manager...
I am not familiar with the type of construction used on Bumblebee Boats, but I would guess that the core of construction is plywood.
If it is, you can be fairly certain that it will need replacing. Unless of course it has lived its entire life under cover, when not in use and has never had any standing water left in it...
Pictures of what you are working on would help. You can use a free service like "Photobucket" to upload your pics there, then post them here in your replies.
Try and take well lit pics of the bilge area.
Best of luck and have fun!
GT1M

 

[bee manager]

Re: stringers on 87 bumblebee bass boat

I have no pics yet i was thinking a pourable transom replacement but i have been all over the boat and have found no weak spots in floor. I was thinking that i don't want to take the top off because the storage and livewells are glassed in. I did notice in the rod locker near storage compartment some more plywood rot but floor under it is good so i'm thinking leave well enough alone. If it ain't broke don't fix it. I literally jumped up and down on floor and all was good! Give me your opinions thanks!

 

[GT1000000]

Re: stringers on 87 bumblebee bass boat

Unfortunately, the jumping up and down on the floor and the motor are not very good indicators of whether or not there is rot...
The only real test requires some destructive inspection...
You need to get core samples of the wood from as low and as far back as possible, plus from as many other places, too...
If the drill shavings come out nice, dry and light...excellent...you can reseal the holes with 3M 5200 and enjoy...
If they come out dark, wet and mushy...rot...time to gut and restore...
Once rot has taken hold, especially as far forward as the rod locker, I would suspect there is more...it acts just like rust or cancer...
The floor may feel solid because there is probably floatation foam under it, which tends to add some rigidity and support...
That foam is also a likely candidate to be waterlogged which affects performance of the boat...
Like I said before, if it lived it's entire life under cover, well cared for...then it is possible the structure is OK...
If it has seen a few wet days, out in the elements...all bets are off...
Another thing that happens is previous owners tend to drill holes for the mounting of accessories, in the decks, in the transom, etc...if those holes aren't properly sealed when the hardware is installed or removed, that makes for another entry way for water to get in...
Of course, you could just use it and constantly keep a watchful eye on the transom and make sure the bilge stays dry every outing...
What ever you decide, we'll be here if you need us...
Best of luck and Safe Boating!
GT1M