Preloading Stringers and Ribs

The on a SIMPLY BENT beam ( IE the ends are free to move axially) there is zero compressive or tensile stresses at the neutral axis.
But the Shear Flow stress is at a maximum at the neutral axis.

If, there are other compression or tensile stresses due to other external loads, the neutral axis can see these stresses as well

 

I think you are right. I think I just need to inspect and repair the hull, keep the water out with a raised floor and autobailers as scuppers. Also, the berth not too far forward so maybe extend the cuddy a little. or even a cockpit cover, with a flap or two to pop up from, so I can have a berth on each side more central. I have my eye on a second one available now to fix up, so maybe two on the river now for the kids in the sailing program to match race. I will fix one up enough for coastal cruising but it might need a different rig to be able to weather a storm. It would be nice to have the option of staying out versus seeking shelter, and it has a bit too much stick. Then again, maybe not, as long as it stays up. I could use the spinnaker halyard as a running backstay when sailing under jib alone, and I could have an even smaller jib for a storm. Here is one in a good 35 knot gale, maybe 40 in gusts, but fully crewed, and awake, and daylight, and not too much of a sea built up. Shows what the mast can do though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn9FAc6XRAo