Trojan Boat Forum

Is there a simple or guaranteed method to detect stringer issues. I do not see any indication of failure from the outside of the stringers and have tapped in several places with a hammer and seam to get a consistent sound that I assume ( Yeh I know ass of you and me ) is solid or every one is rotten.

There are methods to further detect if the stringers or hull are wet, but usually the first test is a good rap with a hammer.

You are correct that you want to hear a consistent sound throughout, but what you are looking for is a nice solid "thunk" and some rebound from the hammer. If you hear a dead spot, or the hammer does not bounce back, it may be trouble.

Simple method? sound it with a mallet and take a moisture reading. Guaranteed method? drill with a hole saw to get core samples. Even when you've sounded for years, there are always some that leave you wondering. That's when you drill core samples to confirm.