From Rot to Rock Solid Part 2: Fiberglassing a Stringer Before Installation

In Part 2 of replacing the rotted string in a1980 Chris Craft Scorpion 230, we show an alternate method to replacing stringers. Rotted stringers are a common problem for many older fiberglass boats. We fiberglass and epoxy this stringer with WEST SYSTEM Epoxy before installing it into the boat hull. This can be a beneficial approach when The new stringer and frame were securely installed using WEST SYSTEM Epoxy.

Part two of this two part series, we show how to:
• Apply fiberglass and wet out with WEST SYSTEM Epoxy
• Compact the fiberglass layers
• Properly clean the surface for the best adhesion
• Apply WEST SYSTEM Epoxy for a strong permanent bond
• Tab the stringer into the surrounding structure

For this project we used WEST SYSTEM 105 Epoxy Resin with 206 Slow Hardener and 406 Colloidal Silica to apply multiple layers of 17 oz fiberglass, matching the original laminate thickness.

In part 1, we covered how to install the stringer in place. For this approach, we applied thickened epoxy to bed the stringer to the hull. We applied the fiberglass using WEST SYSTEM Epoxy and a similar technique to how the fiberglass would have originally been installed. This makes an effective repair for tying a new stringer into the surrounding structure.

Following these processes makes tackling this type of project approachable for anyone looking to tackle a stringer replacement as a DIY project. If you have questions, give us a call or visit https://www.westsystem.com/

WEST SYSTEM PRODUCTS USED
105 Epoxy Resin - https://www.westsystem.com/products/1...
206 Slow Hardener - https://www.westsystem.com/products/2...
406 Colloidal Silica Filler - https://www.westsystem.com/products/4...

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CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:51 Fiberglassing the Stringer
02:14 Surface Prep
03:26 Removing Release Fabric
04:33 Dry Fitting
05:05 Bonding
07:28 Tabbing
07:58 Fiberglassing the Frame
08:34 Tabbing
09:30 Conclusion


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