| Author | Message | ||
     Jeff Roy (Jeffr) Rating: N/A |
Scott, since I am faced with replacing my mast step and rebedding my keel I am leaning very strongly to a repair similar in ways to yours. I am not sure I agree with the use of stainless as a material though. Most experts discourage the use of stainless in bilges becuase of crevice corrosion. (SS in oxygen deprived water corrodes quickly). Also most SS is weakened significantly when welded. I hope you use 316L since this is one of the better grades and is designed specifically for use in welded construction. I am considering laminating new stringers in place using WEST techniques. I have experience with this technique and can do it myself. I am considering using some carbon fiber to make it extra stiff. I do not think I will be able to tie in the keel bolts using this technique and I assume that was one of the main reasons you went with all stainless. How did you tab in the stringers to the hull. From everthing I have read, acheiving a good secondary bond to stainless is difficult. Did you glass over your new stringers? Also, what material did you use for the mast step? I am considering one of the high density polymers because they will never rot, do not compress and can be bonded with epoxy well. |
