bildge seperators..rutten?

[jobi]

Hi all iv noticed that the seperators near the keel have rutten cores, these are 3 seperators encapsulated with fiberglass.

other then to keep water from splashing arond do they have an efect on structural integrity?

what is the fix, epoxy injections? remouving and rebuilding new? or forget about it and sail away?

rgds

[LookingForCruiser]

Well I have a multihull, so I don't have those particular stringers in my boat. But the approach I take is that if it's there, it's there for a reason. They certainly look like they would impact the structural integrity. I recommend replacing them.

You already have the boat mostly torn apart, it looks like, so do it now while everything is easy to get to.

[jobi]

your right why cut corners when its easy to do it right once and be done with it.
thanks

[amarinesurveyor]

Those are called the floors, and they transfer the weight of the keel to the hull. They are structural members and need to be rebuilt so they are as strong as or stronger than the original.
Brian

[jobi]

Thanks Brian, I will make them strong as new.

[JimCate]

G'Day Jobi,

Can't really tell much from the picture, but in many cases the timber core in floors or stringers in a fibreglas hull is only there as a former to wrap the glass around. The "hat" section that the glass is moulded in provides the strength, not the core. If the glass is still in good shape, it probably doesn't matter if the core is even there at all.

I don't know just how you propose to replace or reinforce them, but cutting the old ones out is very likely to change the shape of your hull before you can put any new one in.

I'd recommend that you consult a surveyor befoer you spend any time/money on what may be a non-problem.

Cheers,

Jim and Ann s/v Insatiable II lying Salamander Bay, NSW, Oz

[SVPrairieRose]

Jim is right about keeping the hull shape but not so much about the structural integrity of the glass without the core. You might consider sistering the stringers, build new ones without or before removing the old ones. Good luck.

[jobi]

turns out that only 1/2 aronde the holes was rutten, I carved a little bit and sealed with epoxy. from what iv seen I am not concerned about hull integrity. the boat is solid without a dought. the wooden beem I have remouved, they only serve to hold the cabin floor, without them my new floor is 2in lower witch is exelent as it permits me to stand strait.

I am mecanicly inclined and have been doing construction work most of my adult life, therfore I favor common sens over theories.
it is very comforting to have this forum as a tutore, you guys sharing experience with newbies like myself is of tromendouse value.
simply said its the diference between getting envolved in this adventure or cowarding away from it.
for this I thank all of you