Stringer height

JohnC · #1 09-08-2021, 10:57 AM

So I spent the weekend finishing the foam in my stringers, total of about 25 cf of 4# foam. I'm cutting it down getting ready to glass. Now it's time to second guess my choices!

My boat is a 77 Master Angler and the stringers were a bit crooked from the factory. The top corners were pretty close to straight but the top flat sections were very wavy, mostly where the notches were formed for wires & gas fill hose. The difference between the high spots and the low spots was around 2" (best guess). It looks like they pulled them from the mold while still green, then gave them a good shove while installing them. The picture doesn't capture how uneven they are.

I foamed the new stringers about 3" above the straight top corners. I'm wondering if I went too high. I'm putting a 1" deck over them. Last chance to turn back!

As I understand, the 77 deck was already higher than previous models. Is there a problem going too high with the stringers? Has anyone raised this much and wished they were a little closer to the water? I'd love to hear your opinions.

strick · #2 09-09-2021, 04:54 AM

You can mock it up first to see if it’s going to work rather than build it and then wonder if it’s going to work. I have MA on hold right now but I raised the deck about 1.5” then added the new floor made out of 1/2” coosa and it seems to be perfect for what I’m trying to accomplish. Stringers were un even on mine as well. Good luck

Strick

Old'sCool · #3 09-09-2021, 06:00 AM

Random question; Do you guys come off the old stringer tops (the average) to establish the "line"? In other words, the stringer top angle in relationship to the rest of the boat.

JohnC · #4 09-09-2021, 09:25 AM

I raised the stringers 3" above the top corner that runs parallel to the bottom of the boat (red lines). I used this as reference because it's the closest thing to a straight line going from bow to stern.

The "flat" tops are too wavy to use as reference.

dirtwheelsfl · #5 09-09-2021, 12:32 PM

Use straight edges on top of the stringers and use the chines as reference

JohnC · #6 09-11-2021, 05:39 PM

So after doing a mockup (thanks strick) I found that my cockpit depth after the deck is installed would be a little over 20". I would rather have 21/22. I cut my stringers down about 1 1/2". I hate doing things twice but I think I'll be happier with a little more gunnel height.
Thanks for the replies, always appreciated the knowledge on this site.