Center (keel) stringer - PVC vs Wood/Coosa

[captsuperfly]

Originally Posted by strick

Take the wood out...we have seen several boats crack at the center of the keel in the same spot...this happened to a boat I sold a while back... certainly no crack when I sold it...I live in Calif where it's relatively warm most of the time...the keel is made from fir as you stated and is a sponge for water...the theory on the cracking is that in colder climates where it freezes the glass expands and then shrinks...that along with beating the s#*t out of your boat will get you a leak...

strick

The freezing and expanding is exactly what I'm worried about. It's def coming out. Question is just what to replace it with I'm leaning toward the PVC - though I see you went with foam.

Another thing I noticed is that the hull toward the front really loves to hold water, even with the trailer tilted at a pretty aggressive angle. I saw one build where a guy put an extra bilge pump up there. I'm pushing my fuel tanks way forward, basically against the front step up, so the extra pump isn't really practical.

[SeaChuck]

I have a 1972 23' at the stage of rebuild with the stringer tops cut out and the foam removed. I cut out the top of the keel as well and left the side walls for forms. I plan on using Arjay ceramic pour to replace the wood and glass over.

Any thoughts ?