Restoring a Classic: 1987 Nautique Stringer and Floor Replacement

At AMC Marine, we love bringing classic boats back to life. One of our current projects is restoring a 1987 Nautique that had developed soft spots in the floor due to rotten stringers. This type of structural repair is no small task, but it’s one that our experienced team excels at. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the process of how we’re restoring this boat to better-than-new condition.

Step 1: Removing the Motor and Interior

The first step in this restoration project is carefully removing the motor and interior components. These elements need to be taken out to give us full access to the stringers and floor. The motor is disconnected from all electrical and mechanical systems, lifted out of the boat, and safely stored. Similarly, all interior seating, consoles, and accessories are removed, labeled, and set aside for reinstallation later.

Step 2: Removing the Floor

With the interior out, we turn our attention to the floor. The damaged floor is cut and carefully removed piece by piece to expose the underlying stringers. We use precision tools to ensure that only the necessary material is removed, minimizing any collateral damage to the surrounding structure.

Step 3: Opening Up the Stringer Caps

Once the floor is removed, the stringer caps are opened up to inspect the condition of the wood inside. In this case, the wood was severely rotten, which explains the lack of support for the floor. Using specialized tools, we carefully cut away the fiberglass covering to access the interior of the stringers.

Step 4: Removing the Old Wood

Next, we dig out the old, rotted wood from the stringers. This process requires patience and precision to ensure that all deteriorated material is fully removed while preserving the surrounding fiberglass structure. The empty stringer cavities are then cleaned and prepared for the installation of new wood.

Step 5: Replacing the Wood

Using marine-grade wood, we cut and fit new stringer cores to match the original design. These new cores are treated for longevity and carefully bonded into place. This step ensures the boat will have a strong, durable structure that will stand the test of time.

Step 6: Fiberglassing Everything Back In

With the new wood in place, the stringers are fully encapsulated in layers of high-quality fiberglass. This step restores their structural integrity and protects them from future water damage. We use premium-grade resin and fiberglass matting to ensure a strong, watertight seal.

Step 7: Installing the New Floor and Carpet

Once the stringers are repaired and fiberglassed, we install a brand-new floor using durable, marine-grade materials. The floor is securely fastened and sealed to prevent any water intrusion. Finally, we lay down fresh carpeting, giving the interior a clean, updated look.

Step 8: Reassembling the Boat

The final step is putting everything back together. The motor is reinstalled, along with all interior components, ensuring everything is properly aligned and securely fastened. Electrical and mechanical systems are thoroughly tested to confirm they’re in perfect working order.

A Job Done Right

Restoring a boat like this 1987 Nautique is no small task, but it’s incredibly rewarding. By the time we’re finished, this boat will be stronger and better than when it first left the factory. If your boat needs structural repairs or restoration, reach out to us. Our team has the skills, experience, and dedication to get the job done right.