floor & stringers

[scuppers]

have been reading about how some stringers have parted from the hull & need to be re-glassed in place. Is there a way of inspecting without cutting out the floor? As far as I can tell my 1970 flatback is OK & don't want to start a huge undertaking if it isn't necessary. I just finished replacing the floor in a 19' Grady White "week-ender" the underside of the deck (plywood) wasn't coated with resin & the whole floor (on the bottom side) was a crumbling, flaking mess due to condensation & took the whole summer to correct. The underside of my Aquasport is nicely covered with resin & have had no problems. I take it as a bit of a joke when I hear claims that the "Gradys" have the best fit & finish in the business! Back in 1974 they were far less than top quality. Thanks Scupppers

[JimCt]

Really no reliable way of telling about the stringers without tearing up the deck.  If the deck's in good shape, I'd leave it alone and enjoy the boat.

[GoneFission]

What JimCt said; if it ain't broke, why worry about fixin' it...

[gw204]

You could cut some 8" holes and then cover them with deckplates.  Make sure you seal the core with resin though.

[scuppers]

Really no reliable way of telling about the stringers without tearing up the deck.  If the deck's in good shape, I'd leave it alone and enjoy the boat.

Your reply is welcome info & will be heeded! Thanks Scuppers

[scuppers]

You could cut some 8" holes and then cover them with deckplates.  Make sure you seal the core with resin though.

Thanks for your reply, since i'm not having any problems, I'm going to leave well enough alone. Thanks again, Scuppers

[Classic]

Welcome Scuppers,
If your hull has no foam then its easy to view if even a small access. With foam I think it should be more solid and thus harder to separate stringers.  Maybe we can get some feedback from those that have had to reglass loose stringers and which years have foam. I pasted the link to previous post:
subject:
Stringer cam  Oct. 2006

http://www.classicaquasport.com/forum/v ... ight=#8226

I too would hate to cut in and find out things "were" ok. Our 30 yr old stringers simply said quit looking and "go fishin".

Bob

[fishbonz]

I found out when a errant screw worked its way between the stringer and the hull.  What I thought was a blister was a screw poking through the bottom of my boat!  WE were able to repair the problem (at least a part of the problem) by cutting out a smaller hole and them installing an inspection hatch.  EVentually, I will need to really fix the problem, but that can wait until rebuild #2.

[aqua70]

I have a 1970 that needed major repair. The first indication of a detached stringer is a soft spot in the floor. This usually indicates movement of the stringer beneath the floor. There is a difference between a rotted floor and a detached stringer. I have found the port side forward usually detaches from the years of pounding. If you cut a hole, to investigate, you may run into a problem. The two center stringers are usually filled with foam and you will not be able to see from the bow to the stern.
    Also sometimes the floor itself which they refer to as the "sole" detaches from the stringer itself. This does not mean the stringer has detached from the bottom.
     If you do cut a hole make sure you cut BETWEEN the stringers.
It is a huge undertaking.
I had the same flooring  problem in my 18/5 Grady Challenger. Good Luck