bigmike253

Hey guys,
I'm currently replacing the stringers and bulkheads in my 79 233. I'm almost done with all the stringers and was wondering if it would be a good idea to paint them or put some type of protective coating on them. They are made of tight knot red cedar and have 2 layers on 1700 bi-ax with epoxy resin. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Audiofn

If you can see that area you can paint just for cosmetic reasons, otherwise I would not wory about it.

Jon

bigmike253

I wanted to coat them in some type of paint or primer to help protect the fiberglass. I realize that the resin epoxy is pretty water resistant stuff, but I totally stripped the hull down and replaced all the stringer......I don't want to do it again. Thats why I was thinking a solid coat of paint may lock out moisture that may eventually creep under/into the fiberglass.

On a side note, what are the thoughts on #2 foam? Audio I used your write-up on your stringer replacement to guide me through much of this project, but I cant remember if you filled the gaps between the stringers with foam or not...that stuff is pretty expensive, so I was wondering if anyone had any good ideas.

Audiofn

I did use it to fill it back in the same as stock. I am not so sure it is really needed and probably actually hurts a little bit as far as rot is concerned. I was more looking at the idea that my boat not having a core, the foam had a stuctural component to it as well as a boyancy one. You never see foam around most of that stuff so I am sure you would be OK with out it. I would foam in the tank however.

bigmike253

what do u mean by core? I think my boat was constructed similar to your as it did come with foam insulation between all stringers and around tank.

Audiofn

A core is a layer of material between the glass on the outside of the hull, stringers...... For example you have a couple layers of glass, then a layer of balsa, then a couple layers of glass, then stringers and so on.

bigmike253

Thanks for the info audio. Does anyone have any ideas for a type of paint or primer to help protect the fiberglass on the stringers and bulkheads? I'm am looking to close the floor up in a week or so and need to find some stuff asap. Thanks!

rrrwel

I've done a few engine rooms. The easiest to use is Bilgekote by Interlux. It's a one part paint designed to protect the bilge area. If you want to go one step better I would recommend Inerlux Perfection. It's a two part polyurethane that's pretty easy to use. Awlgrip is also a two part polyurethane that works well but when working with two part paints the prep, mixture, temperture and humidity are critical.

Good luck

high bid

I am installing diesels in a 32ft sportfishing boat and recently used Sherwin-Williams Duraplate 235. It is a 2 part epoxy when mixed can be easily applied w/a brush or roller. I wouldn't recommend spraying it and make sure the area is well ventilated!!! Once dry it is extremely hard and impervious to oil and/or fuel. I would highly recomend it and am very happy with the results.

bigmike253

Are you able to apply these coatings without sanding the fiberglass. Going through and resanding all the stringers and bulkheads does not sound fun.