BIG Stuctural Problem? (Hull Stringers pulling away)

RichP · #1 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008

Hi,
I've recently purchased an Eygthene 24 Quater Tonner, among the work i knew needed to be done i have just found a what could be a big problem and would appreciate some advice!

Quick overview, the bottom of the bilge in the boat is reinforced with hardwood stingers that are glassed into the hull, this stiffens the bottom, also the keelbolts are mounted through these.

When reaching my hand under the interior moulding (which incidentally can only be removed with an angle grinder 0o) i noticed that some of the stingers seemed to be de laminating at the edges (obv the weight of the keel in the middle would not allow this in the middle).

My current thoughts are, clean out area underneath as best i can, lift boat on stops (its currently on a cradle) if this pulls them back flush, drop it again, epoxy underneath them, and then glass them back into the hull again with lots of layers, leave for a while to set!
If they don't pull flush then i'm not sure!

Can anyone offer any advice on this?
Note: The keelbolts are an issue for another day!

(I have some photos, but cannot post them or link to them until i have a post count of 10!)

Freesail99 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008

Getting the weight of the keel supported would be important when you epoxy and glass the stringers. I really can't say, if doing this kind of repair is a good idea or not, but I am sure others will.

RichP · #3 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008

I wasn't sure if i wanted the keel to be in its natural 'hanging position' or under compression when the repair was done.

Stillraining · #4 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008

I like the Idea of it hanging..your plan sounds good to me...and like you if it dosent take the right shape I dont know then..

RichP · #5 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008

If not i guess i'd have to fill the gap to try and retain the stiffness of the Hull?

camaraderie · #6 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008

Rich...I would support the keel and put the compression into the hull as you said the stringers are pulling away. Glassing them in place in the pulled away mode would not be ideal since they were not designed for that position and neither was the hull.

RichP · #7 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008

Well i say pulling away, by that i mean they are coming up at the edges, i don't know if pulling is the right word...
How would you go about compressing the Hull?

Freesail99 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008

If the keel was resting on a 4 x 4 and the hull supported by jack stands, that is about all I can see you could do, to compress the hull.

Stillraining · #9 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008

OK guys...help me visualizes this ...he says the stringers are only up at the tips ( edges ) if we support the keel wont that let them pull further away from the hull?...My thinking was letting the keel maintain its downward pressure on the ribs and apply opposite pressure to the hull via jack stands to get them to make contact...then do the repair..???

I dont believe the weight of a 1/4 toner to heavy for stands alone...may be Im wrong.

Freesail99 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008

Quote:

I dont believe the weight of a 1/4 toner to heavy for stands alone...may be Im wrong.

My boat weights over 6 tons and I have it on jack stands with the keel supported by 4 x 4's.