GW 193 Holiday needs stringers replaced

[grady193]

Hi All- I'm new to the forum and just picked up a 1980 GW 193 Holiday. I bought it from the original owner and have all the history on the boat. It was repowered in 1996 with a Johnson 150 that needs a fly wheel, but other than that, it is supposed to run excellent. The biggest problem with the boat is the fact the stringers are completed rotted from the walk through to the transom. The deck from the walk through to the transom is also rotted and needs to be replaced. The hull is in excellent condition and the gelcoat does not have any stress cracks other than a small spot below the port stern cleat. The transom seems solid and I don't see any movement when I bounce the motor up and down, but its also on a trailer which I assume will take some of the force. I only paid $500 for the boat, trailer, all new cushions, seats and awning, so I'm prepared to put in the work to make the hull as solid as new. I am getting ready to remove the decking and start on the stringers and thought I would reach out to any forum members that may have words of wisdom from their experience. Any thoughts are appreciated, Thanks

 

[steveg]

First of all, get on the internet and review what other people have done. This is not a trivial project. 7 years ago, I cut the deck off a Robalo, 1972, and redid everything down to the hull. The cost for the repair, all material, was over $3000. You cannot go to 84 Lumber for your material. You need to use for the stringers, white oak (impossible to find) or Douglas Fir, and marine grade plywood, SS fasteners, etc. Fiberglass won't do, use West Systems. I could go on and on, but do your homework, take it slow and do it right. My Robalo has been in OC MD since 1975 and should last as long as I do at this point. Good luck in your project. Also, you may have to replace the gas tank after you see what condition it is in. Steve

 

[grady193]

Thanks Steve- I'm not looking at this lightly and have downloaded the West System's "Fiberglass Boat and Repair Maintenance". I am also fortunate to live on Cape Cad with plenty of local resources and experienced friends. My challenge is to do the work correctly the first time and keep my materials cost under $1,500. The stringers and decking in the bow seem very solid, so I am not expecting to have to lift the top off the boat. I am hoping to simply tag into the solid section of each stringer at the walk through and run new wood to the stern. I am amazed that the gel coat is not covered with stress cracks given the almost non existent support from the stringers. I've never owned a GW but they sure seem to lay up a solid hull. The stringers were epoxied in the forward and mid section under the cock pit, but were left bare around the fuel tank. Is that normal for GW? I can push my fingers right through this portion of the stringers on both sides! I have to lift the tank out and check it, but there does not seem to be any leaks (i.e. no fuel in the bilge). Since I will be cleaning the tank of all the old fuel, what would you suggest is the best method to test the integrity? Also, any tricks on the best way to get all the old fuel out and clean the inside of the tank? I appreciate your response. Thanks

 

[Graybeard]

More power to you brother. In went on a GW factory tour and saw what my Freedom 225 looks like on the inside with the deck off. WOW....there's a lot of structure in there and it would be beyond my ability to repair or replace.....good luck