replace wood stringers with solid plastic deck molding?

[Jetlink]

It is real simple guys, you know how the phrase goes about opinions...to each their own. Personally, I plan on calling up Skier's choice or taking my time to figure out how or if I can get true composite stringers in my comp when that time rolls around for me.

[sitdownsteve]

It is real simple guys, you know how the phrase goes about opinions...to each their own. Personally, I plan on calling up Skier's choice or taking my time to figure out how or if I can get true composite stringers in my comp when that time rolls around for me.

You said it... I'll post pics when I get off work tonight of the boat and what I have done so far, would have done it sooner but had a Damn virus

And thanks for all the replys, input

[Hagman]

These are prefab stringers (and other components) that are pre-glassed, very lightweght, won't rot, and are easy easy easy to work with. http://www.preforms.com/products.php They are very reasonably priced.

[Hagman]

These are prefab stringers (and other components) that are pre-glassed, very lightweght, won't rot, and are easy easy easy to work with. http://www.preforms.com/products.php They are very reasonably priced.

Coosa Composites 1/2" 4x8' Bluewater 26 Coosa Board
$286 online

[Hagman]

I'm thinking if I were to take the time and money to replace the stringers in my boat. I would want to use time tested materials. Also when it comes time to sell your boat what are you going to tell your potential customer? I've been installing composite decking for over 10 years, it is good material but wasn't designed to be encapsulated in fiberglass. Just my 2¢ good luck.

[sitdownsteve]

I'm thinking if I were to take the time and money to replace the stringers in my boat. I would want to use time tested materials. Also when it comes time to sell your boat what are you going to tell your potential customer? I've been installing composite decking for over 10 years, it is good material but wasn't designed to be encapsulated in fiberglass. Just my 2¢ good luck.

Many things have multiple uses just because it wasnt made or designed for this doesnt mean it wont work, and i plan on being the one to test it out, also i am not encapsulating it in fiberglass, like said above the factory only used 1 layer and in some cases not even that so it seems they didnt uses it for structure but simply to try and protect the wood which they failed. I have already tested the bond with just resin and it is strong.

[sitdownsteve]

[sitdownsteve]

[wspeedin]

Personally, I think you should do it. It would be great to know whether or not something like this could work. Don't worry about the nay sayers, just do it. If it doesnt work its not the end of the world. If it does work, than its another way to fix these classics and make them better than before. Cheers to you! and your ingenuity. Take lots of pictures and let us know how it goes.

[Salty87]

i'm fairly certain that none of us want to see someone bust their a$$ for nothing.

i've seen some really crappy glassing jobs by the factory but i don't think i've ever seen a boat with no glass on the stringers. if you're not encapsulating the stringers then i'm not sure what your test proved. you should try bedding a piece to the hull and then standing on that.

the point someone made about it not being structural is relevant. if you're using this stuff for the floor, you'll need more supports than was originally designed. plastic boards may sag between stringers and cross supports...esp if you plan on filling sacs.

what thickness do the boards come in? the main stringers are 1 1/2" thick...will you laminate pieces together?