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Stringer Replacement Questions


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I will apologize up front as this may be somewhat long,but I have some questions for those of you who have made this journey before. I have discovered that the stringers in our '88 Skier are rotten,primarily in the rear near the transom and forward about half-way between front and rear motor mounts. I have drilled many 1/2 test holes in the tops and sides of the stringers forward of this area-up to the ski pylon and the wood is hard, dry, and smells new. My floor is extremely solid as well with absolutely no soft spots anywhere forward of the pylon, although I suspect it may have been replaced at some point although not 100% sure of that. I have decided to keep the boat at least another 2-3 years minimum so I will fix it. I have already removed the mechanicals and most of the interior as well, and while I am able to handle the mechanicals and have done some glassing, I am going to have my friend who is a master carpenter and all-around jack of trades assist me, especially with fabricating the new stringers. I plan to do one side at a time to maintain some aspect of reference in the new fabrication and have already made sketches, measurements and taken pictures to ensure that it goes back together properly. I have searched and read most of the previous posts on this subject so I have a good idea of what to use etc... But I have a few areas that I need help with.....

1. I am debating whether or not to replace both stringers completely due to the fact that my test holes show good wood toward the front. I am leaning toward complete replacement to ensure that I don't miss any rot futher toward the bow, however if I decide to splice in new ones, what if any is a good way? I know a butt-joint won't cut it so I have considered "keying" the joint-cutting both stingers in half lengthwise 10"-12", one on the top, one onthe bottom so that they overlap, and then securing them with screws, epoxy, then the glass, but not sure of strength on that one. Thoughts?

2. Should the new stringers be bonded to the hull at the bottom, or do they more or less float within the glass to flex with the hull? I have seen both theories with this but don't know for sure which is better, my assumption is that they were built without being bonded directly to the bottom, but I want to know what you guys have done in your cases.

I guess that is all for now, but sure I will run into more later-I will try to post some pics soon and appreciate any and all help/comments, thanks!

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On my 91 the stringers overlap where the motor is mounted. I'd say they overlap by 4 ft or so.

Do you know if you have rot in both the bow running and transom running stringer on both sides?

Sounds like you have rot almost to the front motor mounts which means if you have overlapped stringers like I do then you will eventually have rot all the way to the front. It is my understading that the dry rot travels within the wood.

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On my 91 the stringers overlap where the motor is mounted. I'd say they overlap by 4 ft or so.

Do you know if you have rot in both the bow running and transom running stringer on both sides?

Sounds like you have rot almost to the front motor mounts which means if you have overlapped stringers like I do then you will eventually have rot all the way to the front. It is my understading that the dry rot travels within the wood.

I have rot in both main stringers-the port is in much better shape than starboard. Starboard side is way gone-the fact that moisture has been inside the glass for who knows how long is leaning me toward complete replacement of both mains and both outboard, but I was trying to consider all options to maybe save some time. However if i'm going all the way to forward motor mounts there isn't too much more past that to replace.

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There are a few really good write ups on here about stringer replacement. MartinArcher has done it as well as a couple of other gentlemen :innocent:

I will see what I can find for you.

My linkhttp://www.themalibucrew.com/forums/index.php?/topic/28808-88-skier-restoration/

http://www.themalibucrew.com/forums/index.php?/topic/28470-rotten-floor-and-stringers/

Edited by Malibuzer
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Total replacement sounds like peace of mind in your case.

I am thinking the same-as I said earlier just trying to save time/effort but doing it all=doing it right and doing it ONCE!

There are a few really good write ups on here about stringer replacement. MartinArcher has done it as well as a couple of other gentlemen :innocent:

I will see what I can find for you.

My linkhttp://www.themalibucrew.com/forums/index.php?/topic/28808-88-skier-restoration/

http://www.themalibucrew.com/forums/index.php?/topic/28470-rotten-floor-and-stringers/

Ok thank you.

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