Stringer problems!

[dearl]

I opened the floor up on my 72 GW and I have termites, bad! I can already see replacing all the stringers out to 8' from the transom! I am removing the inboard so i can pprobably beef up everything to handle what i plan on powering this boat with. Whats everyones opinion on what to use to rebuild stringers with? I want to get pics of everything before i go any further, so I'll get some stuff posted soon.

[FELLOW-SHIP]

A 34 yr old boat is a 34 yr old boat and stuff like that happens. I don’t think that what material you use will make a difference unless you plan on keeping her another 34 years letting her rot away around you and not taking care of her like the previous owner.

If I needed to do a stringer job I would use foam filled glass because of the weight. You can buy them pre made (saw a episode on ship shape tv about them) or you could make your own like the other thread on this repair page – “foam filled stringer grid”.
I hope you check out all the other parts of the boat that was laminated with wood and replace them all. Remember “when is doubt rip it out”
Is there a Grady sight that might be able to give you more that just general suggestions??? I would want to talk to someone that knows Grady’s if I could.

FellowShip

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My motto: Just for the Grins

[Bigshrimpin]

Dearl - Why did you chose to restore an old lapstrake Grady White? You're about to dump thousands of dollars and hundreds of man hours into something with very little resale value. Just trying to make you think hard about your decision before you totally commit. There are much better boats out there for little money in much better condition. Make sure you're not taking on too much of a project . . . personally . . . I'll never do another big fiberglass project boat again. A transom or a spot repair in the deck or floor - that's my limit. Beyond that it's just too expensive.

[dearl]

I like the body style, mostly the siding, And i wouldn't be restoring this boat if i were going to sale it, but for my personal use i prefer this boat, it just makes me feel comfortable, and mostly because it was almost free. Don't know anyone who would pass up a free boat even if it is a Grady. Personally I like it, and will use it for many years to come

[Bigshrimpin]

Dearl - If you like it . . . that's all that matters. Most boat owners sell change boats every 4-5years. Don't fool yourself. That boat isn't free . . . coosa transom, floor, stringers, new gas tank (probably recore the deck - upside down work in the cabin) . . . materials will cost 4k easy (acetone, sandpaper/discs, brushes and rollers, dust masks (or filters for respirator) . . . that stuff adds up. When you look at the "free boat" and attach a 4thousand dollar price tag to it and 600hrs of hard (but fun) labor . . . if it still seem like a good deal then it's your boat.

When you attach a new suzuki to the back with rigging, steering, etc . . . the boat has now cost you 20K . . . what can you buy with 20K and put in ZERO hours of hard labor?

There are some real nice 23's in the for sale section.

[newboater]

Wouldn't these questions be beter answered on a site just for Grady White's ???????

[BA17]

I think he just asked for advice on how to repair something, not for editorials on his choice of boats. This site has the best information from guys that have done the work. Why not seek advice from people that have taken boats from junk to showroom quality? Damn.

BA

[Bigshrimpin]

This "Free boat" cost me $1500+ in Materials. It was only 13ft long. My point is that I could have bought a new 14ft aluminum or carolina skiff for $2000 and saved myself hundreds of hours (and a lung). I never planned to sell this boat either, but I got married, moved cross country and bought a seacraft. Things change and it's always wise to do a cost benefit analysis before taking on a big project like the free boat you're ripping apart. I ignored people that tried to talk some sense into me . . . but I thought I knew better.

I only got $700 for the boat and 2 year old trailer . . . when I sold it.

[FELLOW-SHIP]

Ha Bigshrimpin

I am with you on this one. Boats are like a Woman you better be very, very sure She’s the one four you before you make the COMMITMENT.

FellowShip
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Just for the Grins

[hermco]

Boats are like a Woman you better be very, very sure She’s the one four you before you make the COMMITMENT.

Does that mean you can just sell her at a loss when you decide she's not the right one?