Center / Keel Stringer

[ftac03]

I've removed the rotten center stringer and ground out all the glass on my 222 rebuild. It seems like most people don't replace the stringer.  How much glass and epoxy needs to go back in to replace what was there? I was thinking of overlapping 2 layers of 1708 by about 4". Which should give me almost 1/4" of laminate. Any input would be appreciated.

[RickK]

I can't figure out why that keel wood was there, but it was. Removing the rotten piece is proper but in my mind you need to replace the possible structural properties with something, like a bunch of scrap composite board, or mixture of chopped glass and epoxy. Could also add some other filler like cabosil with maybe some wood filler.
So after you grind up all the glass along the keel gap, then fill it and after it sets and you've ground it properly, cover it with a couple layers of 1708.

[Tampa Bay Mike]

When I cleaned out the center stringer on mine I just cut off the top and left the sides and dug out the wood. Then I filled it with some leftover 4lb foam that I had from the main stringers and wrapped a few layers of 1700 over it. Worked well and I didn't have to spend hours grinding it all out smooth.

Oh, and maybe I am misunderstanding but two layers of 1708 won't get you anywhere close to 1/4" thick.

[ftac03]

I will overlap the 2 layers of 1708 by 3”. Effectively making 4 layers in the middle. I’m getting about .10” on 2 layers of 1708. Probably a little wet.

[Eastender]

I can't figure out why that keel wood was there, but it was. Removing the rotten piece is proper but in my mind you need to replace the possible structural properties with something, like a bunch of scrap composite board, or mixture of chopped glass and epoxy. Could also add some other filler like cabosil with maybe some wood filler.
So after you grind up all the glass along the keel gap, then fill it and after it sets and you've ground it properly, cover it with a couple layers of 1708.

I’ve been silently lurking and sopping up a lot of knowledge on here Rick. This thread, and your advice specifically, addressed my question about keel stiffening. Thanks Rick!

[McAllgeyver]

I do believe all the solid glass aqua hulls need good center keel stringer and really as much glass as you can spare. It's really the back bone to the boat.  the keel is the first to hit water, trailer, beach, UFO's and will take the brunt of it and with a wimpy subpar stringer it will flex causing slow delamination and unseen structural properties!  I used quite a bit of glass at this step in my project: https://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=14350.msg142041#msg142041