Do all fiberglass boats have stringers?

Typical stringer construction

Stringers are support members bonded into boat hulls, usually oriented parallel to the long axis of a boat hull. They are there for a variety of reasons. In fiberglass boats, you will find that most often, stringers are composed of a core material overlaid with a fiberglass skin.

Similarly, it is asked, how many layers of fiberglass do I need for boat stringers?

Probably 3 layers fine if you glass or bond the floors to top of the stringers.

One may also ask, can fiberglass boats rot? Fiberglass won't rot but it will get brittle from UV exposure. That's why it's usually protected with a coat of paint or gelcoat.

Correspondingly, what is the best material for boat stringers?

The best stringers are not wood. Just finished making (experimenting) with several different composite stringers utilizing various technologies, comprised of epoxy, Kevlar, carbon fiber, and other materials. Excellent deflection and stiffness and wont rot.

What side of 1708 fiberglass goes down?

Re: how to use 1708 fiberglass The mat side goes down towards the surface, the woven faces outwards.

28 Related Question Answers Found

How many layers does 1708 have?

Replace the same thickness of glass you removed plus some tabbing strips..a layer of 1708 is a little under a 1/16 of an inch thick.so if your original glass was 1/8 or so inch thick, I would use 3 layers of 1708 to cover from the top edge of the stringer, down the sides and about 12 inches on the hull bottom,

What do stringers do on a boat?

Boat stringers are wooden lengths typically found in older boats or pre-fabricated fiberglass molds in newer vessels. They are designed in a lattice or grid system to create a supporting structure underneath a boat deck. Stringers are similar to how joists would hold up the floorboards in a house.

Where are the stringers on a boat?

Boat stringers are the lengths of wood under the boat deck that support it, much as joists would support the floor in your home. They receive much harsher treatment than joists, however, and that means they'll periodically need to be repaired or replaced.

How do you change a transom on a fiberglass boat?

Remove all traces of the old plywood then sand and clean with 80-grit sandpaper. Be sure and sand the edges where the inner layers of fiberglass attach to the hull, it will make bonding the new transom in place much easier. Vacuum up the dust and wipe down the fiberglass with acetone.

What kind of wood is used for stringers?

You can buy untreated or pressure treated wood, as well as stringers that are pre-cut and easier to use.

What is the lifespan of a fiberglass boat?

How Long Do Fiberglass Boats Typically last? Fiberglass boats can be operated for up to fifty years or more. Fiberglass is very durable and with proper maintenance and care, fiberglass boats can last for many decades. Fiberglass itself will not break down but instead will break down due to outside factors.

How do you check for rot in a fiberglass boat?

There should be no movement of the transom. Then tap around the transom with a big ring/open ended spanner (or similar) listening for sound differences. Dull noise=rot. Check underneath for any cracks.

Does fiberglass deteriorate over time?

Fiberglass can and does suffer from age, elements, and wear and tear. The deterioration initially seems minor, with microscopic cracks in the formed fiberglass fabric. Over time, these cracks get bigger, separating fibres and the resin that hold them together.

Does fiberglass get brittle with age?

No fiberglass does not get brittle with age.

How do you repair rotted wood in a fiberglass boat?

Repairing local core damage

Drill a pattern of 3/16″ diameter holes over the rotted area.
Dry the area thoroughly.
Inject or pour resin/hardener mixture into the holes while the core is warm.
Continue to add epoxy to the holes until the wood can no longer absorb more.

How do you stop transom rot?

Prevent Transom Rot

Check for any stress cracks or chips in the gelcoat or paint. Even those tiny hairline cracks and small chips can slowly let in moisture, and depending on the type of core material it can spread pretty quickly.
Remove and reseal any screws or bolts that penetrate the transom.
Check your rub rail.

Why are boats made of fiberglass?

Speed. Since fiberglass has a higher strength to weight ratio than steel, this also means that you can have a fiberglass hull that's as strong as a steel hull but it's much thinner. This offers a nice weight reduction that makes it easier for your boat engine to get the boat to higher speeds.

What causes soft spots on boats?

Hi Jeff, Normally, a soft spot is caused when the foam beneath the fiberglass deck gets compressed. The fiberglass usually pops back into place but the foam remains compressed. Soft spots can be caused several ways. The most common is body weight being bounced up & down in the same spot.

What is a full stringer boat?

There is full stringer, which is when the stringers go from the transom all the way past the front bulkhead. A quarter stringer deal is just that, there is a structure around the engine for the mounts to bolt to and that is it. The strength in these comes from the keel beam and the floor.