TOPIC: How to Check Stringers

The following is a very nice video clip on checking out a boat prior to purchase:



Regards,
StevieB

Well IMHO, the only really reliable method to KNOW for sure the structural integrity of a stringer, deck or transom is to be able to take a sample of the inner wood core. If you own the boat that's easy to do with a drill and a 3/8" drill bit. Light colored dry shavings and you're certain that the wood under the glass is strong and dry, Dark and wet and you know you have a problem. If you're out looking to buy a boat I'm pretty sure the owner is NOT gunna want your drilling holes so tapping around and removing some bolts and screws is about all you can do, but that is NO guarantee that they are in satisfactory condition. It should be noted that IF the glass covering a wooden cored stringer is pretty thick then the Glass will be carrying as much of the load as the wood core and on boats of 20' or less stringers with good glass walls and rotten cores will still keep the hull safe. Some of these vintage boats were made with hollow stringers.

On wooden boats, I use an ice pick. An ice pick is like a horned toad: It can tell you which way to go.