Stringers in 73 Sea Ray Hardtop

[douglcfl]

I recently purchased a 1973 Sea Ray Hardtop that seems to be in excellent shape. It was stripped, no motor, outdrive, seats, etc. I am re-powering with a 5.0 Volvo Penta and 280 outdrive. I pulled up a section of the floor last night to inspect the foam and stringers. Good news is that the foam is bone dry all the way down to the hull I couldn't find an ounce of moisture. A very pleasant surprise. The motor mounts had a small amount of water intrusion but not much. I completely cleaned out the motor mounts even though most of it was still in tact. Going to replace with a couple of inched of foam followed by wood with an stainless steel or aluminum backing plate to hold the bolts all covered with thickened epoxy.

Here is the interesting part and my question. When I dug out the foam in several places along the length of the boat I expected to find at least one traditional stringer on each side running the length of the boat. I didn't find any. It has the original fibreglass molded deck that includes a large coffin shaped channel running up the center of the boat for the fuel tank and I expected to find a stringer running somewhere parallel with the sides of the coffin. It wasn't there. Anyone have any insight on the construction of this boat? I have posted a couple of pics prior to cutting the floor. I will post some pics of the area under the floor tonight.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

Doug in Florida

 

[silverseeker]

Hello Doug,
I am at the same point you are. I am a newbie. I just took my gas tank out too. Same design as my 75' 220 SRV CC. I am doing a total resto. on this boat. Don't have an answer for you but I will wait till someone answers you because I pretty much have the same questions.. GOOD LUCK on your project.
Jimmy