Length of stringer, 73 SRV193

[193]

Hello everyone, this is my first real post, but I have been reading here for a while.

My question is in reference to a 1973 SRV193, 19 footer. I got the boat and trailer for $500.00 and I already knew that the floor and stringers needed to be replaced. I have seen projects where the entire boat is taken down to the hull only and I have seen others where just from the engine to the windshield area have been replaced. I tried to call Sea Ray and ask them, but the guy told me their prints only go back to 1980. I have started to take some of the old stuff out, which has been easy due to the rot, and was wondering how far forward the stringers ran.

Thank you in advance for any comments.

 

[tobnpr]

Welcome aboard.
I'm not trying to bust your nuts-really- but...
Your project consists of stripping an entire boat to the bare hull with a complete restoration. Granted, it's a small boat but in it's scope it's a big deal. You didn't mention the transom, but given the condition of the floor and stringers there's no reason to think it won't need to be replaced as well.

The question you asked suggests, to me anyway, that you may lack the necessary experience to tackle a job of this scope successfully, and to do it "right". Removing the stringers requires adequate support for the hull to maintain it's shape when the structural elements are removed. How much fiberglass and woodworking experience do you have?

To answer your question- in all boats- the stringers run continuously from bow to stern. They don't "stop" anywhere, they're what keeps the boat from folding in half when you stuff the bow into a 5' wave...

 

[193]

Ok, That is what pretty much what I have come up with, the worst case scenario. As far as glass and wood working experiance - 0. What my plan so far is that I will hire the stringer and floor job out. As far as the transom goes, it "looks" to be in good shape, but not being an expert, it may need some help as well. I am not pressed for time and other than the glass and wood working, I have experiance with re-wiring and working on motors. I know that most will say that I may invest more in repairs and restoration than what a ready to run rig might cost, but the completion of a project is what drives me. I will take some pictures and post them.

I am thinking that if I do some of the tear down, I might be able to save some money in labor charges. Would that be ok or will I comprimise hull integrity?

 

[tobnpr]

Well, as you can see by my '85 390, and a 1972 Chris-Craft I also own, I'm all about "the project" myself. It's a hobby, keeps me sane (somewhat).

You're smart to hire out the structural work if you don't have the experience. Problem is, the costs go from "alot" to "ridiculous" for this type of restoration unless you DIY much of the work.

Since you seem to want to do the work yourself, but just don't know how, you might consider contracting with the shop to do just the stringer replacements- and explain to them in advance that you'd like to learn a bit about the process- and would they mind if you came by as the work was progressing so you could see how it is done. I know a lot of professionals don't like someone "looking over their shoulder", but most are happy that you share an interest and don't mind. I know when my mechanics come to work on the engines (pretty much the only stuff I don't DIY is some of the diesel maintenance and repair) I'm always there to meet them at the dock and hang out, watch what they're doing, ask questions, hand them their tools. I'm careful not to get in the way, and some of the time an extra hand helps.

There's plenty of great information online- so start digging and learn the processes involved.

As far as the "demo" goes- no problem ripping out the seats and decks yourself. Check with the shop that's going to do the work to see how far you can take it.

 

[BarryCF]

I believe the tear down labor is small as compared to the rebuild labor. If you are not going to do the whole job yourself, check around for prices on the work. I think you will be suprised at the expense. I'm pretty sure it will greatly exceed the value of your boat.

Do an online search for hull and stringer rebuilds. There is quite a bit of info and references to books that would help. I think the only way you can finacially justify a complete rebuild is if you do the work yourself and aren't concerned about time. Glass and epoxy costs are not insignificant for this. 80 hours labor at 90 per is $7200. It adds up fast.

 

[193]

I have been reading alot and doing as much research as possible when I can. I have started to make some calls to get worst case prices. I usually get "There is no way for me to know without having the boat in front of me....This should wait until we slow down in the fall..." There were two shops that gave me ball park figures and the spread between the two were 1200 to 5000. The higher priced one was a bigger shop at Lake of the Ozarks and the lower was no where near the big lake. I will keep reading and educating myself and ask those shops what can be done to lower the cost, if there is anything. I figure if I stay around 5k, I will have something that I know will last, I know what has been done, and have done some of it myself. The alternative is 7k-15k in a boat that might need close to the same work done to it a year or two down the road.

Are there any book titles that cover this kind of project? Even if I hire out the stringers and floor, I would really like to know how it was done. I am a big fan of knowing how things operate.

Thank you for your comments and input.

 

[tobnpr]

Happy reading!
http://www.westsystem.com/ss/fiberglass-boat-repair-and-restoration/

 

[193]

Thank you for the link. I am continuing to educate myself. One quick question though, when it comes to the floor, I assume, normally plywood is layed and glassed then covered with fiberglass. My father has quite a bit of teaque left over from one of his projects, is there anyway for me to use it with my project?

 

[193]

It has been some time since I have posted, but I figured I would let everyone know that I just dropped off my project boat to a guy who is going to do the floor, stringers, and carpet. With my budget the way it is, I think I got a deal on this one. I am getting all of the work done for right at $3100. The boat will be in the shop for a majority of the winter. Inside vs being outside in the elements! In a week or so I will get my trailer back and rewire, clean, and put on new lights and rollers. I have pictures of it before it went in and will post them soon. Thank you to every one that has given me advice on this stage of my project.