Outside of the Box Stringers

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   With too much free time on my hands I've concocted a far fetched idea for composite stringers. I make no claims to have any idea as to what I'm talking about, but just wanted to toss the idea in the air and get the opinion of those that are more educated than I am.

So, my idea is to remove all of the foam leaving the glassed stringers bare. Then liberally coat the gel in a release agent. Apply a few layers of resin soaked glass over the stringers in 2 sections (under the bow and then the rest of the open area). I would glass in a few eye bolts (or some other type of pull point) and when the resin cured pull out what is now a mold of the stringer skeleton. I would use this mold to build stringers out of resin soaked synthetic rope with fiberglass woven between each cord. Once they cured, I'd pull them out and glass them to the hull. 

Is this even feasible? Would the fiberglass/rope core stringers be rigid enough for the application or have I lost my mind? If I were to load test a sample piece, what kind of strength should I be looking for?

As far as bolting in the engine cradle, I would just use bolt and nuts rather than lag screws. 

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athhud Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: November-09-2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 80	Post Options Post Reply Quote athhud Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Outside of the Box Stringers Posted: May-01-2010 at 4:37am
	With too much free time on my hands I've concocted a far fetched idea for composite stringers. I make no claims to have any idea as to what I'm talking about, but just wanted to toss the idea in the air and get the opinion of those that are more educated than I am. So, my idea is to remove all of the foam leaving the glassed stringers bare. Then liberally coat the gel in a release agent. Apply a few layers of resin soaked glass over the stringers in 2 sections (under the bow and then the rest of the open area). I would glass in a few eye bolts (or some other type of pull point) and when the resin cured pull out what is now a mold of the stringer skeleton. I would use this mold to build stringers out of resin soaked synthetic rope with fiberglass woven between each cord. Once they cured, I'd pull them out and glass them to the hull. Is this even feasible? Would the fiberglass/rope core stringers be rigid enough for the application or have I lost my mind? If I were to load test a sample piece, what kind of strength should I be looking for? As far as bolting in the engine cradle, I would just use bolt and nuts rather than lag screws.
	Andrew

SNobsessed Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: October-21-2007 Location: IA Status: Offline Points: 7102	Post Options Post Reply Quote SNobsessed Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May-01-2010 at 10:38am
	Andrew - This might work but you should build, test, & certify before you use it on a public waterway. Go to the Correct Craft factory & see how they do stringers today - they are made of a foam composite, covered with glass. But this was done with long term tests completed & is certified to a standard. Stick with the wood that is protected by CPES & Epoxy resin, then you can rest assured it will be rock solid.
	“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Ben Franklin

srbranum Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: March-06-2010 Location: Huntsville, Al Status: Offline Points: 376	Post Options Post Reply Quote srbranum Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May-01-2010 at 10:49am
	I heard of a place you can order premade stringers made out of composite material and I considered it before I got in to my project but what if your idea does not work? What then? Start over and do it right? Not on my watch!! You would wish you just started all over again and used wood coating it well and fiberglassing it with epoxy resin. My stringers lasted 35 years from the factory and they were not near what I am putting back in, quality wise. Unless you are trying to win a contest or skiing until you are in your 80's, just use wood and do it right and you will not have any anxiety. My $.02 worth only. scott
	I have to keep her running 'cause I can't afford a new one

TX Foilhead Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: February-01-2009 Location: Kingsland TX Status: Offline Points: 2076	Post Options Post Reply Quote TX Foilhead Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May-01-2010 at 11:29am
	Even if the idea works and is better in all ways, your still going to be doing alot more work on a project that is alot of work to begin with. Stringers and floors are an all winter project not a couple of weekends, having done it once I can't imaging doing something that would make it any longer. The other thing I see is that there is no need to improve the strength of the stringers, and if you soak everything in CPES and epoxy it into the boat you have made such an upgrade to the longevity of the things that I doubt you will ever have to worry about doing it again. The originals last 20 years, so even if you put them back the same way you shouldn't be around when it's time to do it again. If you just have to have composite stringers, buy a 93, it's a much cheaper option in the long run.

BuffaloBFN Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: June-24-2007 Location: Gainesville,GA Status: Offline Points: 6094	Post Options Post Reply Quote BuffaloBFN Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May-01-2010 at 1:58pm
	I get the idea of having a plug-in system. It would be nice to do most of the work outside on a bench, but the fit might need considerable adjustment from boat to boat. Then you're trying to scribe in 3-D for lack of a better way to put it, and that would be a PITA.
	1988 BFN-sold "It's a Livin' Thing...What a Terrible Thing to Lose" ELO

athhud Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: November-09-2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 80	Post Options Post Reply Quote athhud Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May-01-2010 at 2:17pm
	Thanks for all the input! I'm not necessarily looking for the easiest or cheapest way to replace the stringers, so don't let that influence your thoughts. Wood rots and that is a fact.... From what I've seen, many of your wood stringer jobs will outlast my life and I'm sure I could get comparable results, but where is the fun in that? :D
	Andrew

Outside of the Box Stringers

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