Thread:

Replace Stringers?

I have a '78 Nordic Tunnel jet and I have questions about the stringers and floor. In the engine area where the rails mount there are areas on the stringers that has some delamination. I cut away a small area of fiberglass and the wood seems solid. I can't see or detect any rotten areas, even around some of the holes where the rails mounted (it does have a few "extra" holes). It also has balsa on the floor on the outside of the stringers that seems to be in good shape. So what are my options? Replace the stringers and balsa? Grind/remove the fiberglass on the stringers in the engine area, remove the balsa in the same area and re-glass the stringers and put in new balsa in that area? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Originally Posted by OFFSHORE GINGER

Mark , any chance of you posting any pics of those area's mentioned and just by chance is there any discoloration of those area's which would be somewhat blackish in color and yes you have options other then doing a total replacement considering in your opinion everything is sound with no rot , Stringers / core with the exception of de-lamination in the stringers which could and can be injected with resin .

I'll see if I can get some pics up this week. When I first looked at the balsa on the floor I was a little suspicious because it was darker in color in the engine area than the front part of the boat which was covered in carpet. After looking closer it seems that the engine area has seen several coats or one thick coat of flow coat or similar clear. They didn't get carried away with the clear in the front and the floor has a "brighter" look. Looking at the transition area from the front to the back, the flooring is definately darker in the flow coated area. Sanding away some of the clear reveals a "brighter" look. The stringers have the same coating on the engine area and are darker in color. Stringers toward the front are lighter in color. Basically it's easy to see the condition of the stinger toward the front of the boat because it doesn't have the thick coating hiding anything. Back is a bit more difficult to see. I'll do a bit more inspection.
Thanks for replying.