Bilge clean and stringer inspection
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Hey guys. I have heard the horror stories of the mast step support stringers going bad on the Olsons so this weekend removed floor boards and did a little cleaning and looking around. All looked good to me but took some pictures and thought I would post them here to get some opinions. Where do you usually see the problem starting and what should I do to keep it from happening. Any info appreciated. Thanks!
A few more pics
Yours looks great! The actual cross member will show signs of compression. You might take a small hammer and do some sounding.
“Fast Company”
Kauai, HawaiiPut a straight edge on the mast step board. If it has any bow downward you need to measure how much. I replaced my mast step frame with a 2.5″ wide laminated beam. It was pretty easy and is super strong compared to original.
The stock frame is a fir 2×4 that is tapered to the bottom. Once the fiberglass crunches at the top, you are now relying on the wood. On the aft side of the 2×4 is a 1/4″ piece of plywood that is glassed to the frame and bilge sides. If this gets wet, it rots and any hope of support is gone.
If you have 1/4″ or more of drop…plan on doing the job. You’ll be glad you did.
Your stringers look to be in good shape though if I were racing her hard I would replace them. It does not appear to be critical though.
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