fshnfnatic
Well-Known Member
Hey guys.Just putting this out there to see if any of you have had any experience with a DIY floor and stringer
project in the past.I did one years ago on a old 15 ft. Hourston that I thought was a decent job,but after a lot
of online research,I realized I didn't have a clue as to how to do this properly.The boat is a 16ft.DE late 70's
vintage.It has a solid transom,but the floor had a couple of soft spots, and the top 1/3 of the stringers were rotted right out so I gutted the whole works.I've grinded the hull and prepped with 40 grit sandpaper and
am now waiting for the epoxy resin and 17 oz. biaxial cloth to show up from the US (way cheaper than buying it
here even with shipping and exchange rate).The original stringers were 2x6 dimensinial Douglas Fir but after
some research,I've decided to make the new ones out of 3 layers of 5/8" laminated marine grade plywood.A
question I have that I cant seem to find any info on is do you screw the 3 layers of plywood together with
the thickened epoxy adhesive or can you just clamp them together until they're dry?If you use screws,do you leave them in,or take them out and seal the holes afterwards?How far apart would you put the screws?I'm trying to avoid any possible water intrusion so I'm not too keen on the whole screw idea but if it needs to be done so be it.Also any other helpful tips from anyone that's done this job would be greatly appreciated.I have
to say I'm a bit overwelmed at the moment.
project in the past.I did one years ago on a old 15 ft. Hourston that I thought was a decent job,but after a lot
of online research,I realized I didn't have a clue as to how to do this properly.The boat is a 16ft.DE late 70's
vintage.It has a solid transom,but the floor had a couple of soft spots, and the top 1/3 of the stringers were rotted right out so I gutted the whole works.I've grinded the hull and prepped with 40 grit sandpaper and
am now waiting for the epoxy resin and 17 oz. biaxial cloth to show up from the US (way cheaper than buying it
here even with shipping and exchange rate).The original stringers were 2x6 dimensinial Douglas Fir but after
some research,I've decided to make the new ones out of 3 layers of 5/8" laminated marine grade plywood.A
question I have that I cant seem to find any info on is do you screw the 3 layers of plywood together with
the thickened epoxy adhesive or can you just clamp them together until they're dry?If you use screws,do you leave them in,or take them out and seal the holes afterwards?How far apart would you put the screws?I'm trying to avoid any possible water intrusion so I'm not too keen on the whole screw idea but if it needs to be done so be it.Also any other helpful tips from anyone that's done this job would be greatly appreciated.I have
to say I'm a bit overwelmed at the moment.