When you have boat stringers that are showing cracks and repairs, it is time to replace them. Many people do not know what they are called or how to fix them, so this blog post will help clarify the process. Boat stringers can be repaired with epoxy or glue and there are many types of boat stringers depending on your needs. It is important to repair these before they break completely because if you wait too long then the damage may be greater than necessary and need more work done than anticipated.
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- waterproof
- withstands marine environments
- for any type of boat hull
- three sizes
- self-leveling properties
- marine grade epoxy
- for wood, metal, or fiberglass
- natural color
- marine grade
- two part epoxy
- set up within 25 minutes
- versatility
What Are Boat Stringers
Stringers are the large pieces of wood that run along the length of a boat, providing support to everything inside. The floor boards and walls sit on top of them – meaning they have a huge impact on how well your boat is able to handle waves or remain afloat in general!
- Boat stringers provide stability for interior components
- Stringers are usually made from wood, with a plywood exterior
- Stringers can be found both in fiberglass and wooden boats
Types of Stringers
There are two main types of stringers – those made from wood and those constructed with fiberglass. Fiberglass ones can be found on both wooden and fiberglass boats , but you’ll find that most modern boats have these instead. Wooden stringers provide better support for heavier loads (like people) than their metal counterparts do, making them more reliable in some cases as well. But they also tend to rot or come loose much easier if water gets through cracks into the core so make sure your repairs hold up against leaks before going out onto the open waters again!
What to do when you have cracks
If you find cracks in your stringers, don’t panic. There are a few options depending on how severe the damage is:
The most drastic option is replacement – this one should be undertaken by an expert. You will need a new boat and all of its components!
The next step down from replacing the stringer completely would be fixing it with epoxy or glue. Both can work well if done properly. Epoxy provides great support because it expands when dry , providing compression that helps keep things together better than other materials do. Glue acts as more of a patch material; It’s not designed for ultimate strength like epoxy but still works efficiently at keeping pieces tightly held.
If you choose to use epoxy, make sure it is compatible with your boat materials
For glue, be aware of temperature and humidity levels when applying the material – both can affect how well it works!
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How to repair boat stringers
Once again there are a few options depending on severity. The easiest way would be screwing in new cleats . These small pieces provide support at either end of the stringer. While this method doesn’t work for every type or size of crack , if done right they will keep things together long enough until you get time to replace the stringer completely. They’re also relatively cheap so worth looking into if you have some spare cash around that won’t go to waste.
- To repair your stringer with screw cleats, first clear out the crack. Make sure that you have a good idea of how deep it goes and where along the length of the boat this is .
- Using epoxy, drill holes on either side of the crack and insert screws. Make sure that they are very flush with the stringer so as not to cause a bump or protrusion once it has been sanded down . You can also use deck putty , which is an adhesive, colored compound that you spread into the gap before applying screw cleats. This works well if there isn’t much damage but still wants to be fixed quickly!
- If you choose glue instead for this step, apply liberally along both sides of your crack and press them together tightly without any spaces between until completely flat . Then tape off around each end of the stringers in order to prevent too much seeping out when wet.
- Then drill pilot holes through both sides of the stringer so that they are perpendicular to each other . This will make them less likely to split as you put in screws later on. You can use either wood glue or epoxy for this part depending on which one works best for your situation – just be aware of what material should go over (epoxy) or under (glue). Screws don’t need much more than half an inch into the hull , but always remember: safety comes first! Check all materials thoroughly if you’re not sure how to use them.
- If your stringer has multiple smaller cracks, you can patch it in a few different ways. One option is using epoxy and fiberglass strips for larger areas . Another would be covering up the crack with several layers of glass tape or fiberglass sheeting , then applying an epoxy coating over top as well. This will provide support long enough until you have time to replace the stringers completely.
Why boat strings need repair
Even if they don’t seem like much, even small cracks can quickly lead to major problems – especially when exposed to salt water ! This double layer of protection against damage should keep things together while maintaining safety standards for anyone on board who might fall into the water.
It’s always best to repair a boat stringer when it first happens, not wait until everything is falling apart!
Best epoxy for repairing boat stringers
The top best product [hide]
Travaco Marine-Tex Gluvit Waterproof Epoxy Sealer
TotalBoat 5:1 Epoxy Resin Kits
TotalBoat Polyester Structural Repair Putty
J-B Weld WaterWeld Epoxy Putty Stick
Clear Table Top Epoxy Resin That Self Levels
FAQs
Is it better to glue or glass-in the stringer system?
What material is better fasten floor to stringers?
How do I repair the stringers?
Conclusion
It’s always best to fix boat stringers as soon as possible, so take a look at your current stringer system and see what can be done.
Small cracks on fiberglass stringers will need epoxy with fiberglass strips or tape .
Wooden ones are better suited for use with epoxy instead of glue because it won’t absorb water like wood does over time. Fiberglass is also an option here but should only be used in conjunction with other materials to ensure maximum reliability overall – especially if there’s any risk that the vessel may go out onto salt water ! It’s also important to keep an eye out for signs of osmosis (discoloration) which is usually indicative of rust developing under the paint and should be taken care of immediately to prevent further damage.
