What are stringers in a fiberglass boat?

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.

Keeping this in view, 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.

Likewise, 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.

Also know, 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.

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.

29 Related Question Answers Found

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.

What is the best wood for boat stringers?

Most of the oaks are difficult to glue with the adhesives you'll use, and they're heavier then necessary too. Stay away from the light weight stuff like cedar and white spruce. They can work, but the stringer usually has to be larger in dimension for the lumber to do it's job.

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.

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.

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 rot in the ground?

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. However, I don't know that I'd want it just sitting on the ground either. If in doubt, err on the side of caution and take steps to protect your investment.

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.

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.

How thick should a fiberglass boat hull be?

They are commonly used with an M2008 transducer (500 kHz) to maximize the penetration of ultrasound in thick or attenuating fiberglass, providing a thickness measurement range of approximately from 0.150 in. to 3 in. (4 mm to 75 mm), depending on the type of fiberglass.

How do you measure a boat hull?

The hull length should be measured from the point of the bow to the transom, excluding bow sprits, outboard motors and other appendages.

How much does it cost to replace a boat floor?

Having said that, The floor itself can be replaced by yourself. The structural members also but be aware that the materials required are pretty expensive. Just the wood alone for the floor will cost you $200 plus and then you need fibreglass. Figure $500 just to replace the floor.

How do you replace a floor in a fiberglass boat?

Step 1 - Remove the Damaged Flooring

The most common material used for boat flooring is BC plywood, and it is also used for fiberglass boats in particular. Start removing the old damaged material using an electric saw to cut it; if the stringers and bulkheads are rotten, get them replaced with fiberglass ones.

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.

How many layers does a 1708 transom have?

4 layers

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,