Rookie at this.....

I was raised on a 38' Chris Craft but what I am getting into now is a world different. I just bought me a 18' Renken boat. It was an inboard/outboard that has been converted to an outboard(looks professional) but my floor was soft. When I started tearing out the floor I realized the stringers are rotten as well, looks to be from bow to stern. I can probably get just the flooring done but what do I do about the stringers? I am not a rich man by any means(so why did I buy a boat right?) but I would like to do this on my own if its possible. Any help or advice would be very greatfull.

 

Those stringers are built with 3/4" AC plywood. If you want to do the job yourself start by taking out all the rotted wood and floatation foam. If possible keep the old stringers or the fiberglass that used to be attached to them as patterns. Cut and laminate new wood with 3/4 oz mat and resin. Put four layers on the edge between the bottom and the stringers. The layers should be of decreasing width. Lay the new floor over the stringers with adhesive and screw it down with galvanized or stainless deck screws. Laminate one layer of mat over the whole floor and three or four around the edges. Make two 1 1/2" holes on the floor over all enclosed spaces so you can pour expanding foam. The second hole is for pressure relief so the foam can expand and not pop the floor up. Put two layers of mat over the holes. If you have enough foam it should overflow some. Glue on the carpet and happy boating.

 

Thanks so much Gonzo for your help but I am curious as to why the stringers look as wide as a 2x4 and as tall as 12" in the stern? Did they use different wood or is the fiberglass that thick? I am going to try and keep what is there and use it for a pattern but I dont see how I can do it with out ripping up the fiberglass as well. i have started getting close to the side of the boat and noticed there is a (factory) lip at the very side for the floor to be placed on, I was kinda worried about having to make something on the edges for the plywood to sit.

 

The stringers usually have a built flat area for the engine mounts in the aft area. I think that is what you are referring to. They get glassed to the 3/4" plywood stringers. If you have and outboard setup now it is not necessary.

 

fellas, I apologize for not getting back to you soon but I finally got my boat done and it looks great. Thanks for the advice and help.