Rotted/Hollow Stringers?

[ccboater]

I just had a survey done on a 2001 Albin 28 TE. The surveyor found moisture in the stringers in the engine box with his moisture meter. In the area between the seats there was no moisture, but his percussive testing seemed to indicate they were hollow and he thought the wood may have completely rotted. Further up front and in the stern they were fine. Is this a common issue with the 28TE? I've only seen a couple posts on this forum about rotten stringers on these. Anyone ever had these replaced that would care to share their experience and approximate costs? The boat otherwise seems in good condition. I hate to walk away from it given the current market for these means I probably won't find another anytime soon.

Thanks,
ccboater

[Norseman]

The stringers under the helm seats on my 2001 -28TE have a foam core.
There are a couple of 2” factory made holes in the stringers and I can see the foam, and feel it with my fingers.
Will take a picture later today and post right here.
Pretty sure it is this product: https://www.3accorematerials.com/en/products/airex-foam

[ccboater]

The stringers under the helm seats on my 2001 -28TE have a foam core.
There are a couple of 2” factory made holes in the stringers and I can see the foam, and feel it with my fingers.
Will take a picture later today and post right here.
Pretty sure it is this product: https://www.3accorematerials.com/en/products/airex-foam

Hi Norseman,

Just to confirm, you are referring to the stringers that are located below the hatch between the helm seats? If so, that might explain why he was getting unusual percussive test results in this location. That would be a big relief. Though I'm curious why they are made of a different material here than elsewhere in the boat.

-Scott

[Norseman]

Picture of 2 openings in the stringers for cable runs.
I am 99% sure the core is foam, and most likely the same core goes all the way back.
My boat was built April 2001, if yours is an early 2001, if could have a been a different core material.
As for a price on replacing or repairing the stringers, huge job, guessing no less than $15-$20K, need to lift the engine and reinstall, yard rates are $100/hr and up. Bad news if the stringers are really rotted out.

4EF63D1F-D275-47B1-B97A-5DFE0CE6466F.jpeg

[ccboater]

Picture of 2 openings in the stringers for cable runs.
I am 99% sure the core is foam, and most likely the same core goes all the way back.
My boat was built April 2001, if yours is an early 2001, if could have a been a different core material.
As for a price on replacing or repairing the stringers, huge job, guessing no less than $15-$20K, need to lift the engine and reinstall, yard rates are $100/hr and up. Bad news if the stringers are really rotted out.

4EF63D1F-D275-47B1-B97A-5DFE0CE6466F.jpeg

Hmm - I don't recall seeing cables running through the stringers like that - I think I would have noticed that.

Thanks

-Scott

[Norseman]

Let me see a copy of your survey, perhaps I can help.
(Had 3 A-28TEs surveyed, starting to know these boats pretty good)
My email is csy33 — Comcast.net