many questions about repairing/replacing stringers

[carboncow]

Originally Posted by dan4836

I am doing the same project now.

I cut out my deck, removed the fuel tank and foam. Cut the tops of the stringers and bulkheads and was planning on using Seacast or Arjay to fill the void.

What I decided to do is pick up three sheets of 3/4" A/C plywood. Cost all the wood with polyester resin. Install the 3/4" stringers back into the stringer cavity.

What I found - the stringers were made with a piece of lumber (not plywood) the bulkheads are made with plywood and are much more difficult to get the wood out.

So it was not continuous wood but smaller pieces? Are they secured (sistered) in a way to connect one another? I should comment my floor was made of chunks of plywood and not one continues piece!

I will be glassing over using 1708 and chop strand with at least four layers.

I was able to consult with a boat builder and he said the plywood material I am putting in is just to fill the void. The 1708 and chopped strand will be the new structural stringer.

So you are using plywood in the stringer? Sometimes when I read this posts (no offense) it makes me question one we even pull the wood out! I'm guessing the factory glass is not amazing with a wet stringer but if you go mega-layered with glass then it really doesn't matter what is inside!?!?

After this is complete, I will drop my 3/4" plywood floor. I thought about using a composite but by the time I have to re-do the floor it should be many years....

I've read many a post on other sites talking composites...and I think it's fine for those with $$$ and who like the wow factor, but as you stated a good wood floor should last a long time too at a lower cost.

My floor will be laminated with two coats of chopped strand.

What type/weave will you use? We are trying to understand all the designations people are listing.

I will post photos soon...

See my questions up in the body of the text...

[carboncow]

Dan,

Any to be clear...you are doing your stringers in 3/4" plywood? Marine grade or standard? We've been getting mixed info on this but we seem to believe if the plywood is heavily resin'd then it doesn't need to be marine.

Will your stringer needs be greater then the length of plywood (assuming 8ft) and if so doesn't it matter how they "butt" to the next piece?

thanks.