Stringer Issues?
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: Repairs and Maintenance
Forum Name: Boat Maintenance
Forum Discription: Discuss maintenance of your Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=29958
Printed Date: November-18-2024 at 7:45am
Topic: Stringer Issues?
Posted By: Jeff N
Subject: Stringer Issues?
Date Posted: May-22-2013 at 10:41pm
I am new to the forum and was hoping someone could advise me. I am the original owner of an 89 2001 and am seriously considering refurbishing the boat (new upholstery, carpet, gauges etc.). I have always heard about these older boats having stringer/floor rot problems and would like to determine if my boat has any of these issues before starting the refurbishment. Can anyone tell me how best to determine if my boat has any stringer/floor rot problems?
Thanks for your help,
Jeff N
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Jeff N
05 - 206
89 - 2001
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Replies:
Posted By: SNobsessed
Date Posted: May-22-2013 at 11:11pm
Floor rot is pretty evident with soft spots, but another way to evaluate is to remove some seat base screws (Driver & observer).
I drilled some holes in the stringers using a 1 inch hole saw (right behind engine where I could get drill access)- limit depth to the glass layer. Mine were dry, so I just patched the holes with cloth & epoxy resin.
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“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”
Ben Franklin
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Posted By: baitkiller
Date Posted: May-22-2013 at 11:28pm
^^^ Core samples would certainly take the guess work out...
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Jesus was a bare-footer.............
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Posted By: ny_nautique
Date Posted: May-22-2013 at 11:33pm
Jeff, you'd be a good test case. Being the original and only owner, if you could characterize how you treated the boat and then determine what the stringers are like, it may prove useful.
Where between the extremes are you? Are you the kind of owner that never left wet stuff on the floor, made people dry off on the platform, always kept it covered in rain, etc... or did you allow a lot of wet towels laying around, and leave it uncovered in rain?
However, even if you babied it, we know that there were some quality control issues over the years.
The best way is to be a bit invasive, and as SNObsessed said, drill core samples into the stringers. For me, all I had to do was drill down through the tops with a 1/4" bit and I knew. Every core I pulled out was wet. I also had a lot of delamination.
If it isn't obvious to you, then do as SNObsessed said and use a hole saw through the stringer in a few key spots. If things are dry, then you'll be able to patch it up and sleep well.
Once you take the carpet off you'll probably also have a good idea. You'll know if there are any obvious spots, but if the bond between the floor and sidewall is weak you can expect water to be in the foam, and probably the stringers.
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- Jeff
1999 Ski Nautique
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Posted By: Jeff N
Date Posted: May-23-2013 at 12:48am
Thank you all for your advice.
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Jeff N
05 - 206
89 - 2001
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Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: May-23-2013 at 6:07am
Jeff,
Welcome to CCfan. Keep us informed on your exploration and get us some pictures. The methods Jeff and Chris mentioned are good ones. I'd also suggest checking your engine/shaft/log/strut alignment. It too can indicate stringer problems.
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54 Atom
/diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique
64 X55 Dunphy
Keep it original, Pete
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Posted By: Jeff N
Date Posted: May-25-2013 at 3:41pm
Honestly, I am probably somewhere in between. Plenty of times over the years where the boat was uncovered and on the lift during a heavy rain storm and have not been particularly worried about wet towels etc. That said, it was always stored inside and tried to keep it drained when it did take on water.
So you would recommend a 1/4 inch hole saw and take core samples. Can you be more specific on exactly where you drilled into the stringers to get your core samples? Also, someone suggested I contact a boat "surveyor" to actually measure the moisture content in the stringers. Anyone ever use a boat "surveyor"?
Thanks for your help,
Jeff N
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Jeff N
05 - 206
89 - 2001
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Posted By: ny_nautique
Date Posted: May-25-2013 at 6:19pm
I drilled down through the tops with a 1/4 bit.
What Chris is suggesting is using a 1-inch hole saw to drill through the side of the stringer.
Once you do this, you should have a good idea of what the wood is like. If it is wet or rotten you'll probably want to start tearing it up (or wait until October to do it). If it is dry and you are confident about it, you'll need some epoxy and fiberglass to patch it up and ensure it remains waterproof.
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- Jeff
1999 Ski Nautique
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Posted By: SNobsessed
Date Posted: May-25-2013 at 6:27pm
Jeff - It will be obvious if you have a stringer issue, once you get to wood. No need for $300 survey.
I would drill as low as practical, as far forward as practical. I worked behind the tranny because that is where the drill would fit. If you have an angle drill, you might be able to get farther forward.
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“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”
Ben Franklin
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Posted By: Jeff N
Date Posted: May-26-2013 at 9:07pm
Thanks guys. As I am unfamiliar with how to work on these boats, your advice is much appreciated.
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Jeff N
05 - 206
89 - 2001
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Posted By: Morfoot
Date Posted: May-27-2013 at 9:33am
Jeff, Check out this thread and video I did on how to inspect for stringer rot. IMHO I think that drilling into perfectly good bonded fiberglass isn't necessary. Watch the video, do a tap test EVERYWHERE you can get to. IF you hear that hollow thud then you should investigate further by removing small sections the disbonded glass and see what ya got under it.
http://www.correctcraftfan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=25247&title=stringer-inspection-video" rel="nofollow - Stringer Inspection
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"Morfoot; He can ski. He can wakeboard.He can cook chicken.He can create his own self-named beverage, & can also apparently fly. A man of many talents."72 Mustang "Kermit",88 SN Miss Scarlett, 99 SN "Sherman"
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Posted By: Jeff N
Date Posted: May-27-2013 at 6:50pm
Tim,
Thank you, this video is exactly what I needed to get started.
Jeff
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Jeff N
05 - 206
89 - 2001
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