Gunwale/Hull Side Flex

[Capt_E]

Something I noticed when transporting my boat was when I strapped it down to the trailer and tightened, the gunwales/hull sides would flex like crazy.  I'm still in the pre stages of my rebuild but was curious what the fix was for this.

[seabob4]

When you use an "across the gunwales" strap, you are pulling in on the hullsides.  Without any brace or stiffener in between each gunwale, they will naturally flex.  Fiberglass is good, in that it flexes.  But, if this bothers you, cut a length of 2 by that fits SNUGLY between your gunwales, and you can snug up that strap all you want...

Or do what I do.  Individual tie-downs from each stern eye to the trailer.  I hate across-the-transom straps... 8)

[Capt_E]

Gunnel, Gunwale, same difference lol.

I usually trailer with the way you stated, a strap from each side.  Both trailers I have used to transport the boat so far were not an exact fit so it was strapped in multiple places for safety.

I was just speaking to the apparent weakness of the hull sides, straps or no straps.  Even pushing on the side of the boat in flexes.  Nothing cracked, rotten etc..  Just seemed a little too flexible to me.  I wasnt sure if more support was done through a rebuild process.  I guess re-strengthening the cap may help.

[seabob4]

Just kind of the deal with 19-6s, 22-2s...

There is not much athwartships stiffening on those models, nothing to keep the gunwales from bowing in when pressure is applied.  Nothing I would lose any sleep over...

[Capt_E]

Ok thanks, just wanted to make sure I didnt have an issue there.

[Capt Matt]

On these hulls the only support for the cap and gunnel are the two wooden rod holders they use as gussets.
I built 5 gussets on each side of the boat to support the cap and gunnels when I did my rebuild. I also reglassed the whole underside of the cap then glassed the cap right to the hull. I often walk the gunnels and use the gunnel as a step when going up and down the tower steps, every client steps on the gunnel when climbing into the boat from the dock so I wanted them crazy strong.
Capt Matt