Wet Stringers

[Bpinard]

Has anyone done a moister reading on stringers specifically near engine mounts? I had one done recently and got a high reading, not sure but guessing where bolts connect engine mount plates to stringers. How would one remedy that?

[Norseman]

Never tried the moisture meter on the stringers, but good idea.
What is inside the stringers, anybody knows?

[Bpinard]

Typically wood core at mid and stern sections, some Albins have foam core near mid section.

[nebulatech]

First let me say it might not be a problem at all. Before you loose a lot of sleep, do your homework. Do you remember specifically what the moisture reading was? I can't remember exactly, but I think 30% is problematic. As a comparison, kiln dried lumber is about 8%.


The manual linked below is the West Systems guide. It has a whole section on stringers. I'm not familiar with the extend of your damage, but this guide is loaded with good advice. I'm sorry to hear the news. Hopefully it's not too bad.

Fiberglass-Manual-2015.pdf

If the moisture reading is high, the first thing I would do is take a core sample (it's easily repairable with thickened epoxy). I wouldn't bother with a hole saw, just clean the area with some acetone or whatever, just to make sure that your drill shavings don't get contaminated with other stuff. I would use a 3/8" drill bit and drill into the stringers (but not through the bottom of the boat!) and examine the shavings as they come out. Composition of the stringer, along with wet versus dry will become readily apparent. Drilling several holes, several inches apart will help reveal the extend of the damage. You can also buy a non-invasive moisture meter for around $35 at Lowes and take your own readings in several places.

[ccboater]

Typically wood core at mid and stern sections, some Albins have foam core near mid section.

Hi Bob,

I just had survey done an a 2001 28 TE and when the surveyor did a percussion test on the stringers in the mid section (in front of the engine, between the helm seats) he said that it was 'dead' and sounded 'hollow'. I suggested to him that maybe the stringers in this section were foam core, but he said the rest of the stringers sounded solid and in his experience the stringers are all usually the same core. Your post seems to suggest maybe I'm right, but I'm trying to get more confirmation about this. Any other info you have would be appreciated. I have to make a decision soon about this boat and this is my biggest concern.

-Scott