Bilge Stringers

[Memphis Mike]

I'm thinking of installing bilge stringers in my Diablo in the mid section running for and aft.

I plan on fastening from the bottom up using silly bronze or stainless screws and finishing washers with plenty of goop of course.

I want to do this to minimize the flex in the bottom in rough water.

I used this method above the water line when I built the boat.

Does anyone see any problems with this below the water line?

[John Bell]

I'd grind off the paint on the outside first. (I'm going to get taken to task for this next suggestion, but here goes anyway! ;) ) I'd fasten from the inside out with ordinary bronze or SS wood screws, (pre-drill your bilge stringer) all bedded in 3M 5200.

Edited to add: Do you mean to put them on the inside? In that case, yes, screw them on from the outside in.

[ 03-13-2005, 09:21 AM: Message edited by: John Bell ]

[Memphis Mike]

Yep, on the inside and then put in a removable floor over top of them.

[Memphis Mike]

Thanks Mike. I never thought about doing it that way.

"End grains on the stringer materials are no that great for holding that swell. my .02 worth"

I'm not sure what you mean by this. smile.gif

[Memphis Mike]

Here's the pics Mike. Looking at it both for and aft.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid161/pcac0a7358c13586cb0dbd3296f37267f/f4d803cd.jpg

Sorry about the dirt. redface.gif She's been under a cover in the carport all winter. Can you see the cracks in the paint from the flexing? It's a cheap oil based paint with kiddy sand to provide "no skid."

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid161/p391056ceeb9e23adaa283b18a16988df/f4d803cf.jpg

I thought four or five stringers running for and aft to the inside of the limber holes? Secured at the mid and aft thwarts and fastened from the bottom up.

[ 03-13-2005, 05:43 PM: Message edited by: Memphis Mike ]

[Mike Vogdes]

Mike have you considered bilge keels on the outside of the hull?

I build stitch and glue scows and use 1"x doug fir with a 1/2" piece of Ipe laminated to the doug fir, makes for a stiff bottom and very good chafe protection.

[Memphis Mike]

Originally posted by Mike Vogdes:
Mike have you considered bilge keels on the outside of the hull?

I build stitch and glue scows and use 1"x doug fir with a 1/2" piece of Ipe laminated to the doug fir, makes for a stiff bottom and very good chafe protection.Naw, I've never even taken that into thought Michael as this boat has no tendency to skid or skip in even the tightest of turns.

[Gary E]

Mike,
Does the boat have a keel? I am betting it does not. You dont say how long or wide the boat is but a keel 1 1/2in wide starting at the stem aprox 2 in deep and running full length ending at the stern and aprox 6 inches deep will add more strength than a couple of bilge stringers.

Just to show you how it works place each end of an 8ft 2x4 on a brick. In one instance place the 2 in dimension up and the 4 in parallel to the ground. Have someone stand in the middle and note the defelection. Now turn the 2x so the 4in dimension is up and have same person stand in the middle. Compare the beams defelection.

[Neville Striker]

You need floor boards in that thing.

[Memphis Mike]

Thanks for the advice folks.

Gary, I don't think a keel is an option with this boat because of the clearance between the bottom of the boat and my trailer.

The waters around the launch ramps here are shallow.

I have the runners on the trailer adjusted to the lowest point to facilitate launching.

If I raised the boat up on the trailer to accomdate a keel, it might present a problem at the launch ramp.

"but will not keep any "foldup" of your hull."

Mike, I don't understand what you mean by "fold up."

[ 03-14-2005, 07:59 AM: Message edited by: Memphis Mike ]