Using the trailer as support for stringer/ bulkhead repair?

[byson2]

I'm considering doing stringer and bulkhead repair on my 96 Larson 19' open bow boat. The trailer has 4 wood supports for the hull. The 2 inner support the rear 2/3 length of the boat and 2 outer about 1/3. At this point I don't know how much work needs to be done but I do know the stringers next to the inner fuel tank are rotted. Assuming the worst, is the trailer sufficient to support the hull ? Hopefully these pics are ok.

 

[jbcurt00]

Since its an IO probably since you're likely to be able to leave the cap in place.

A cradle ofen puts the boat closer to the ground then the trailer, so some what easier to climb in and out of over a thousand times. Close to the ground, it will make it easier to lift the I/O engine up and over the transom. There are other ways to get the I/O out though.

W casters on all 4.corners a cradle can help moving the boat around in the garage.

Well done, a cradle WILL keep a hul's shape intact.

Take lots of measurements and some diagonally across the hull and keep an eye on it all as you work on it.

Adding additional support in and around the trailer will make it a permanent location to work on the boat until you get the stringers, deck and transom re-installed.

 

[gsxrdan]

I had a similar issue and couldnt go the cradle route, so instead built supports around the trailer to make it a cradle - seemed to work out for my build (i dont THINK the hull warped ) pics in the first few pages of my build if u want inspiration. Good luck with it!

 

[sphelps]

Looks like the bunks are supporting it very well . Maybe some extra help on the very outside edge ...But as jbc suggested making a cradle and getting it closer to the ground will make it a lot easier to work on for sure ...

 

[Baylinerchuck]

I agree with JBcurt, you should be fine. I have a wobble roller trailer for my Chap and didn't have any deformities in my hull. I did recently add 2x6's across the rollers to make 100% solid once I removed the stringers. I noticed a little flex in the hull as I walked in it and figured that flex would cause me issues when glassing in bulkheads. I needed to keep mine on the trailer to pull it out of the garage when grinding. Since I live on a hill, my truck has to push it back in the garage. No dolly for me.

Good luck on your build.

 

[tpenfield]

The outer bunks do not carry forward much, so maybe you add some support forward of those bunks near the chine. Otherwise you look the be fine.

 

[byson2]

Thanks for the input everyone ! At this point I'm looking into the feasibility of doing the work myself. From rough measurements it appears that the trailer will fit in the garage and that's obviously the ideal place to do the work during the winter. I know this will be a big project and still haven't convinced myself to jump in yet. Thanks again.

 

[gm280]

Thanks for the input everyone ! At this point I'm looking into the feasibility of doing the work myself. From rough measurements it appears that the trailer will fit in the garage and that's obviously the ideal place to do the work during the winter. I know this will be a big project and still haven't convinced myself to jump in yet. Thanks again.

Blanca1, only you can make that decision about doing all the work yourself. But you came to the absolute best place to get suggestions, ideas, and step by step information to rebuild your boat if you decide. There are tons of such rebuilds on these forums. I suggest you read a few to get an idea what it takes. That will help you make that decision. The number of quality boat people on these forums will certainly allow you to do the best job at the cheapest cost. And the pride you will experience after it is finish is priceless. So let us know what you decide and we can offer help for any issue you may have. :thumb:

 

[JASinIL2006]

I can't help you much with the stringer replacement, but I'm guessing my boat looks pretty similar to yours. If you decide to do this, I'll be following along to see if I can help. I would imagine that, apart from the stringer construction, Larson used lots of the same materials/processes in our boats.

Looks like our trailers are pretty similar, too.

 

[byson2]

Yes I definitely plan on keeping the boat. I haven't had it too long but it has everything I was looking for....not too big or too small...nice 5.7 liter 350 V8 and Volvo Penta outdrive. It literally comes on plane in the blink of an eye and will pull me up on one ski instantly. The interior is original and in perfect shape. Needless to say, it was a shock when I started REALLY poking around and found the rotten wood. I would have never guessed those problems considering how nice the rest of the boat is. That's a common story I'm sure but even after fixing I'll be way ahead of the price new ones cost.

 

[mickyryan]

if not removing cap not much to worry about but if cap is coming off id take plenty of measurements and make sure its level on the trailer, will make it easier when working inside